C Spine Flashcards
1
Q
Canadian C spine rules
A
- Dangerous mechanism
- > 65 +, extremity paresthesia
- Unable to rotation head 45º both ways
2
Q
Best view for C1C2
A
Odontoid - open mouth
3
Q
Best view for C7-T2
A
Swimmers
4
Q
Anterior Antlantodental Interval (AADI)
A
- Lateral view distance between anterior tubercle and dens
- > 2.5mm = instability
- Need Flex or ext lateral views
- Cause = trauma, down syndrome, AS, RA, psoriatic arthritis, Reiter Syndrome
5
Q
George Line
A
- Lateral view = smooth curve
- Posterior Vertebral bodies should connect
- Flex/Ext views helpful
- Determines anterolisthesis/retrolisthesis
o Laxity from Fx, dislocation, ligament laxity, DJD
6
Q
Cervical gravity line
A
- Line from apex to dens
- Should pass 7th cervical vert
7
Q
Paravertebral soft tissue
A
- C2-4 should not be >7mm in neutral
- C5-7 should not be >20mm
- Shows soft tissue mass, hematoma, neoplasm
8
Q
Spinal fractures
A
- Most common C1-2, C5-7, T9-L2
- Trauma mostly from MVA
- If CT head then CT spine at the same time
9
Q
C spine signs of instability
A
- Displacement of vertebrae
- Widening of spaces/facet joints
- Widening/elongation of canal
- Disruption of posterior vertebral line
10
Q
Jeffersons Fx
A
- Burst Fx ox C1
- MOA blow to vertex of head
- Bilateral fx anterior/posterior arches of C1 + transverse ligament distruption
- View: Open mouth /ondontoid
11
Q
Ondontoid Fx
A
- Fx of ondontoid process C2
- MOI: Hyperflexion injuries
- Based on stability
- 1 = stable
- 2 = unstable
- 3 = stable
12
Q
Hangman’s fx
A
- Fx posterior aspects of C2
- MOI: Hyperextension MVA
- Bilateral fx through pedicles of C2
- Spinal cord compromise
- 1 = fx through C2 pedicle, extend between superior and inferior facets
- 2 = Concomitant disruption of C2-3 IVD
- 3 = injury with C2-3 dislocation
13
Q
Teardrop Fx
A
- Avulsion of anterior vertebral body with posterior subluxation
- Most severe and unstable cervical injury
- Posterior displacement of vertebra into spinal canal, fx of posterior elements, disruption of soft tissues
- ALL tear = leaves fragment
14
Q
Clay shoveler’s Fx
A
- Fx spinous process of C6 7 T1 T2 (can be one)
- MOI: flexion injury – clayminers, manual labor or weightlifting