See NAEMSP National Guidelines for Spinal Immobilization
Unstable as whole column can sublux
High risk for significant spinal cord injury
Disruption of annulus fibrosus and ant longitudinal ligament > ant displacement of spine
Imaging
Lateral xray: vertebral body will be displaced ~50% of its width
Management
Spinal precautions
Operative management: nsg vs ortho
Lateral xray: vertebral body will be displaced ~50% of its width
Spinal precautions
Operative management: nsg vs ortho
Relatively Stable
Presentation
C5/C6: C6 radiculopathy with weakness to wrist extension numbness and tingling in the thumb
C6/C7: C7 radiculopathy with weakness to triceps and wrist flexion and numbness in index and middle finger
Imaging
Lateral x-ray: vertebral body will be displaced ~25% of its width
Anterior x-ray: affected spinous process points toward side that is dislocated
Spinal cord injury rarely occurs
C5/C6: C6 radiculopathy with weakness to wrist extension numbness and tingling in the thumb
C6/C7: C7 radiculopathy with weakness to triceps and wrist flexion and numbness in index and middle finger
Lateral x-ray: vertebral body will be displaced ~25% of its width
Anterior x-ray: affected spinous process points toward side that is dislocated
Cervical facet dislocation
Penetrating neck trauma
Cervical burst fracture
Blunt neck trauma
Anterior cervical wedge fracture
Vertebral and carotid artery dissection
Lumbar burst fracture
Strangulation