Cervical spine trauma

Question 1

Canadian C spine rules

Answer 1

1. > 65
2. Dangerous mechanism or parethesis
3. <45 r/l rotation

Question 2

Signs of instability in the c spine

Answer 2

3.5mm horizonatal translation

11 or more of angular deformity

Question 3

Jeffersons fx- MOI, presentation (how far is overhang for unstable)

Answer 3

@c1 due to vertical force directed at skull

-encourages lat displacement of atlantomases in ap open mouth view (>7mm is unstable)

Question 4

3 types of odontoid fxs

Answer 4

1- oblique in upper dens
2-base of dens
3-base of dens extending into body

Question 5

Hangmans fx + MOI

Answer 5

• bilat fx thru pedicles of c2
• Causes by hyper ext with axial loading
• could have associated lig damage + cord damage

Question 6

Tear drop fx

Answer 6

compression fx of cervical vert (usually lower)

-Ant-inf corner fragment w widening of interpinous lig at same level or one above

Question 7

Burst fracture- MoI

Answer 7

M/c in c5-7 region

• axial load, usually commuted
• can produce retropultion of superpost body fragments

Question 8

Unilateral locking facets MOI and signs

Answer 8

Hyperflexion + rot type injury

• evidence of rot is often found
• Anterlethesis will be under 25%
• will see bow tie sign

Question 9

Bilateral locked facets

Answer 9

-extreme hyperflex moi

Anterlethesis will be over 50%

Question 10

Clay shovler fx

Answer 10

Hyperflexion moi

-avulsion of spinous process in cervicthoracic region- usually isolated + stable (will be pulled post and inf