Fractures 3 Flashcards
What is a unilateral facet dislocation?
Loss of contact between the zygapophyseal joints on one side of the inferior vertebra with the one above.
It is a Hyperflexion/rotational injury with interrupted cervical lines.
What sign is seen at the level of the facet dislocation?
Bowtie [batwing] sign
Unilateral Facet dislocation: stable or unstable condition?
Stable
How do you treat a unilateral facet dislocation?
Reduced and halo immobilization is necessary
What is a bilateral facet dislocation?
Loss of contact between the zygapophyseal joints on both sides of the inferior vertebra in relation to the one above.
It is an extreme hyperflexion injury with an interruption of all three cervical lines.
What sign is ABSENT in a bilateral facet dislocation?
Bow tie Sign
Bilateral facet dislocation: stable or unstable condition?
Unstable injury as there is a high risk of
spinal cord injury due to the severe
spondylolisthesis [c] > 50%
How do you treat a bilateral facet dislocation?
Surgery is required to reduce and fuse the unstable region.
What is a Clay-shoveler’s fracture?
Flexion avulsion fracture of the spinous process.
Oblique break through the spinous process with inferior displacement of the fragment.
What is the most common location of a Clay-shoveler’s fracture?
C7 (can be seen C6 to T2)
Clay-shoveler’s fracture: Forceful contraction of the __ and __ muscles caused by abrupt __
trapezius; rhomboid; hyperflexion
What sign is present in a Clay-shoveler’s fracture?
Double spinous sign
Clay-shoveler’s fracture: stable or unstable condition?
Stable fracture
How do you treat a Clay-shoveler’s fracture?
Rigid collar for 10 days followed by a soft collar for the next 6 weeks
What is a compression fracture?
Anterior wedge deformity of a
vertebral body.
There is Hyperflexion causing axial loading of the anterior part of the vertebral body.
Compression cervical fracture: stable or unstable?
Stable fracture unless there is
underlying pathology
How do you treat a compression cervical fracture?
Soft or rigid collar for 6-12 weeks depending on the extent of the injury and the treatment of any underlying pathology
What is a Burst fracture?
Comminuted fracture of the vertebral body.
There is axial compression resulting in circumferential displacement of the fragments.
What are the radiographic features of a Burst fracture?
- Interrupted anterior vertebral and George’s lines
- Kyphosis, spinous fanning and/or facet dislocation
- Prevertebral soft tissue swelling
Burst fracture: stable or unstable?
Unstable fracture – 85% with neurologic compromise
How do you treat a Burst fracture?
Surgical stabilization with plates and screws are needed
What is Whiplash?
Soft tissue injury to the neck usually caused by hyperextension-hyperflexion or acceleration-deceleration injury.
There is a loss of the normal lordosis.
What commonly causes whiplash injuries?
Rear-end auto collision (20-60%)
What is the treatment for whiplash injuries?
Soft tissue collar is helpful in the
acute phase and ice with early
self-mobilization
Define clinical presentation for Quebec task force Grade 0.
No physical symptoms
Define clinical presentation for Quebec task force Grade 1.
Neck pain/stiffness/tenderness only
Define clinical presentation for Quebec task force Grade 2.
Neck complaints and positive orthopedic tests
Define clinical presentation for Quebec task force Grade 3.
Neck complaints and neurologic symptoms
Define clinical presentation for Quebec task force Grade 4.
Neck complaints accompanied with fracture or dislocation