Cervical Spine Disorders

Question 1

Jefferson Fracturea.k.a.”Bursting” Fracture of Atlas

Answer 1

1.) Forceful blow upon the skull vertex2.) Force transmitted through occipital condyles to the lateral masses of atlas3.) Force displaces lateral masses of atlas, producing fractures of each side of the anterior and posterior arches of atlas

Question 2

Clay Shoveler’s Fracture

Answer 2

Avulsion of a lower cervical segments, spinous process

Question 3

Hangman’s Fracture

Answer 3

1.) Traumatic spondylolisthesis of axis2.) Usually from forceful hyperextension3.) Fractures occur through the pedicles or pars lateralis of C2

Question 4

Torticollisa.k.a.Wry Neck

Answer 4

1.) Etiology varies and often cannot be defined2.) Often associated with injury to the sternocleidomastoid muscle on one side at the time of birth during a difficult delivery, and the muscle’s transformation into a fibrous cord that cannot lengthen with the growing neck3.) Onset may occur at any age, but most frequently in adults between the 3rd and 6th decades: it may be sudden or of gradual onset4.) Both sexes are equally affected5.) Sternocleidomastoid muscle contraction causes rotation of the head to he opposite side and flexion of the neck to the same side