Pyle collects 52 cases of spinal disease and injury, in which laminectomy was performed.

All the cases were operated upon since 1890.

Of the 52 cases there were 15 deaths (a mortality of 29.4 per cent), 26 recoveries with benefit, and five recoveries in which the ultimate result has not been observed.

It must be mentioned that several of the fatal cases reported were those of cervical fracture, which is by far the most fatal variety.
Injury to the spinal cord does not necessarily cause immediate death.
Mills and O'Hara, both of Philadelphia, have recorded instances of recovery after penetrating wound of the spinal marrow.

Eve reports three cases of gunshot wound in which the balls lodged in the vertebral canal, two of the patients recovering.