Unstable cervical spine without spinal cord injury in penetrating neck trauma

Cervical spine instability in the neurologically intact patient following penetrating neck trauma has been considered rare or non-existant. We present a case of a woman with an unstable C5 fracture without spinal cord injury after a gunshot wound to the neck. Considerations regarding the risk of cervical spine instability are discussed, as well as suggestions for a prudent approach to such patients.