MECHANISM OF INJURY FOR C SPINE

Question 1

What would a flexion injury cause ?

Answer 1

Ruptured posterior ligaments, forward dislocation and damage to spinal chord.

WEDGE FRACTURE.

Question 2

What would a hyperextension injury cause ?

Answer 2

Ruptured anterior ligament.

Question 3

What would a flexion rotation injury cause ?

Answer 3

Displacement of the vertebrae.

Question 4

What would a compression injury cause ?

Answer 4

Compression fracture and compression of the spinal chord.

Question 5

How do you class if an injury on the C spine in stable or unstable on an XRAY ?

Answer 5

If two columns are disrupted then the injury is unstable.

Question 6

Where would the anterior column be on a C Spine Xray ?

Answer 6

Anterior 2/3 of vertebral body.

Question 7

Where would the posterior column be in a C spine Xray ?

Answer 7

Posterior ligaments. Pedicles, facets, lamina and spinous process.

Question 8

Name 6 unstable C spine fractures ?

Clue- There is a mnemonic.

Answer 8

1) Jefferson/ burst type fracture.
2)Bilateral facet joint dislocation.
3)Odontoids type 2 and 3.
4) Any fracture dislocation.
5) Hangman’s fracture
6) Teardrop fracture.