Spine, Thorax, and Abdominal Injuries

Question 1

What causes a cervical fracture?

What are the signs?

How to care for?

Answer 1

1. axial load with some degree of cervical flexion, rotation can cause dislocation
2. restricted motion, cervical muscle spasm, pain in the chest, numbness in trunk and limbs, loss of bowel control
3. treat like an unconscious athlete (use extreme care)

Question 2

What causes a Cervical Dislocation?

What are the signs?

How to care for?

Answer 2

1. result of violent flexion and rotation of the head
2. pain, weakness, paralysis, unilateral dislocation causes head to tilt in that direction with extreme muscle tightness
3. extreme care to avoid spinal injury