Penetrating spinal cord injuries (P.S.C.I.) are rarely described in Sub Saharian 
countries in spite of an increasing number of wars. To study epidemiology 
management and prognosis of P.S.C.I. in Senegal, population of 16 patients 
collected from Fann Hospital in Dakar has been studied. 9 cases were related on 
gunshot or shrapnel injuries and 6 were stab-wounded. 8 came from war practice 
and 7 from civilian practice. The point of entry was at the posterior or lateral 
part of the body and continuous leaking of cerebral spinal fluid from this point 
was founded only in one patient. Patients showed a clinical picture of a 
complete spinal cord section syndrome, 3 spinal cord hemisection Brown Sequard 
syndromes, 3 cauda equina syndromes and 1 monoradicular syndrome. Spinal X-rays 
or myelography may lead to an accurate evaluation of the extent of bone tissue 
destruction. Anatomical evaluation of roots and spinal cord lesions were more 
difficult when C.T. scan or R.M.I. is not available. Penetrating spinal cord 
injury with foreign body included or myelography stop or showing cauda equina 
syndrome should be operated on. 9 of our patients has benefited of spine 
surgical posterior approach (laminectomy). Immediate vital prognosis is good 
regarding the fact that visceral associated lesions were rare (2 cases). 
Functional recovery is fair only 46.6% of patients expressed partial or complete 
recovery. Prognosis factors such as injuring agent and initial neurological 
status has been discussed. Prognosis of penetrating spinal cord injuries could 
be improved by immediate and multidisciplinary management.