- Discussion:
- hyperextension dislocation type of injury of
Cervical Spine may
be assoic w/ marked neurologic deficit - esp
Central Cord Syndrome;
- cervical cord is compressed between posteriorly dislocated vertebral
body and the posterior longitudinal ligament, & posterior elements and
ligamentum flavum;
- Radiographs:
- combination of
prevertebral soft tissue swelling in association
w/ normal alignment of C-spine suggests hyperextension dislocation;
- contralateral facet subluxation & anterolisthesis suggest hyperextension
frx dislocation;
- may see avulsion frag from antero-inferior end plate of dislocated body;
- transverse diameter of the fragment typically is > vertical ht;
- vacum disc or widening of the intervertebral disc space;
- unilateral articular mass frx are seen on
AP film as disruption
of undulating lataeral margin;
- lateral film:
- as disruption of
Facet Joint;
- oblique film:
- facet frx lines as well as facet disarticulation;
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Hyperextension-dislocation of the cervical spine. Ligament injuries
demonstrated by magnetic resonance imaging.
