Compression Fractures Teardrop Fractures Unilateral Locked Facets Bilateral Locked Facets Isolated Spinous Process Fractures Traumatic Discs Ruptures Introduction Supporting the head and based on the relatively immobile thoracic spine, the cervical spine is in a unique position to receive injury.
Injuries occur due to motor vehicle crashes, falls, diving, and sports.
Gun shot wounds are an increasing cause of cervical spine injury. Often, the injuries are due to a combination of mechanisms. The trauma system in the United States has improved the immobilization and transfer of patients from the injury site to the care facility and most major trauma victims present to the neurosurgeon with spinal immobilization in place. The neurosurgeon needs a systematic method of determining those who have spine and spinal cord injuries from those who do not. If a fracture is seen on any of the films, a CT scan through the area is performed.