MSK vertebrae fractures and dislocations

Question 1

Whiplash

Answer 1

Sudden jerking of head damages ligaments and muscles and can dislocate vertebrae. C5 and C6 forced to hyperextend -> vulnerable to dislocation. Risk of damaging spinal cord but vertebral foramen in cervical region very large so unlikely

Question 2

Axial fractures

Answer 2

Hangmans fracture: fracture through the pedicles of the axis due to hyperextension of the head on the neck. Unstable fracture. Causes forward displacement of C1 and body of C2
Peg fracture: due to a blow to the back of the head. Fracture of the dens.

Question 3

Atlas fractures

Answer 3

Jefferson’s fracture: fracture of anterior and posterior arches of atlas. Due to axial load (dive into shallow water). Causes pain but no neurological signs. May damage arteries at base of skull -> secondary neurological sequelae (horners syndrome)