Non-missile penetrating spinal injuries

Non-missile penetrating spinal injuries (NMPSI) arerare. Patients who present with retained foreign bodyfragments due to stabbings represent an even subset ofNMPSI and their optimal management is unclear. Mostoften the weapon is withdrawn by the assailant;uncommonly however, the weapon may be retained inthe spine either broken partly or intact. Management ofthese patients is quite challenging as removal of thesemay add neurovascular deficits. Besides this, positioningthe patient and transportation may be difficult. Themanagement of such patients is not outlined clearly.Authors present two patients who had stab injuries inspine with retained weapons and without any neurologicaldeficits. The management of these patients and therelevant literature is discussed .