Fig 3. Orthogonal digital radiographs of penetrating ballistic injury in a deer with C4-7 shot placement.

Orthogonal digital radiographs of penetrating ballistic injury in a deer shot with C4-7 as the targeted point of aim (A) lateral, and (B) ventrodorsal. The caudal cervical spine is the point of entry. Regional destruction is again noted. There is extensive, comminution of C4, dorsal angulation of the spine, involvement of the articular processes and extensive soft tissue swelling. Metallic projectile fragments are noted within the vertebral canal. When present at the intervertebral disc space, projectile fragments may also be associated with nucleus pulposus extrusion (not shown).