Cervical Spine Injuries: Diagnosis and Classification

doi:10.1001/archsurg.1976.01360240026004

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Vol. 111 No. 6, June 1976

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SYMPOSIUM ON CERVICAL SPINE INJURIES

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Cervical Spine Injuries

Diagnosis and Classification

James L. Babcock, MD

Arch Surg. 1976;111(6):646-651.

Abstract

• Roentgenographic techniques in the evaluation of thepatient with a cervical spine injury entail several considerationsthat should be respected in defining and classifying the lesionaccording to the mechanism of injury. Unilateral or bilateralfacet dislocation with separation of posterior elements usuallyimplies disruptive flexion injury. Anterior wedging of a vertebralbody indicates flexion with some degree of compression. Comminutionof the vertebral body indicates a predominant compressive elementto the injury. An anterior-inferior marginal fracture indicatesextension injury. Impaction of the inferior articulating processesor fracture of the pedicle producing a more horizontal appearanceof the facet indicates disruption of interspinous ligamentsand the probability that significant instability exists. Studiesshould not be terminated until complete visualization of allcervical segments has been obtained, including the cervicothoracicjunction.

(Arch Surg 111:646-651, 1976)

Author Affiliations

From the Caylor-Nickel Clinic, Bluffton, Ind, and the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis.

Footnotes

Accepted for publication Dec 5, 1975.

Reprint requests to Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, IndianaUniversity School of Medicine, 1100 W Michigan St, Indianapolis,IN 46202 (Dr Babcock).

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