Missed cervical spine fracture: chiropractic implications

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the case of a patient with an anterior compression fracture of the cervical spine, which had been overlooked on initial examination. CLINICAL FEATURES: A 36-year-old man was seen at a chiropractic clinic 1 month after diving into the ocean and hitting his head on the ocean floor. He chipped a tooth but denied loss of consciousness. Initial medical examination in the emergency department did not include radiography, but an anti-inflammatory medication was prescribed. Radiographs taken at the chiropractic clinic 1 month later revealed an anterior compression fracture of the C7 vertebra, with migration of the fragment noted on flexion and extension views. INTERVENTION AND OUTCOME: The patient was referred back to his medical doctor for further evaluation and management.He was instructed to wear a Philadelphia collar for 4 weeks. During this time period, he reported "shooting" pain and tingling from his neck into his arms. The patient reported resolution of his neck and arm symptoms at 2.5 months after injury. Follow-up radiographs at 6 months after injury revealed fusion of the fracture fragment with mild residual deformity. At that time, the patient began a course of chiropractic treatment. CONCLUSION: After head trauma, it is essential to obtain a radiograph of the cervical spine to rule out fracture. Chiropractors should proceed with caution, regardless of any prior medical or ancillary evaluation, before commencing cervical spine manipulation after head and neck trauma.     

专业运动员脊柱脊髓损伤后重返赛场的研究进展

专业运动员的脊柱伤病是损伤预防和运动康复领域中的重要临床研究课题。本文根据疾病分类回顾目前运动员脊柱脊髓损伤后重返赛场的相关情况,包括颈椎(颈部软组织损伤、颈椎骨折和脱位、颈椎管狭窄症、颈椎间盘突出症、刺痛和烧灼痛)、胸椎(胸椎骨折)、腰椎(腰肌劳损、腰椎峡部裂、腰椎滑脱、腰椎间盘突出症)和脊髓震荡与脊髓损伤。本文还分析了运动员颈、胸、腰段脊柱脊髓损伤后重返赛场的标准,以期为未来临床管理和建立共识/指南提供参考。     

Epidemiology of Thoracolumbar Spine Injury in Blunt Trauma

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence, distribution, and demographics of thoracolumbar (TL) spine injuries following blunt trauma. METHODS: Prospective, cross-sectional study of a consecutive sample of all blunt trauma patients presenting initially to the emergency department (ED) of a Level 1 trauma center and undergoing thoracic and/or lumbar spine radiography from August 1997 to November 1998. The age, sex, and mechanism of injury of each patient as well as location and type of spine injury were recorded for those patients with vertebral fractures, dislocations, or subluxations. RESULTS: Two thousand four hundred four blunt trauma patients were enrolled. Vertebral injuries were identified in 152 individuals (6.3%, 95% CI = 5.4% to 7.4%). Two hundred sixty distinct anatomic levels of injury were identified in these 152 individuals. Of these 260 injuries, 42 (16.2%) occurred at L1, 38 (14.6%) at L2, 29 (11.1%) at L3, and 27 (10.4%) at T12, making these the most commonly injured vertebrae. Injuries were most common (34 patients) in those aged 30-39 years and were least common (12 patients) in those under 18 years. Compression fractures (52%) were the most common injury in the thoracic spine, while transverse process fractures (48%) were the most common injuries in the lumbar spine. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of TL injuries in ED blunt trauma patients undergoing TL radiographs is 6.3%. The most commonly injured area of the TL spine is the thoracolumbar junction.     

The effect of chiropractic care for a 30-year-old male with advanced ankylosing spondylitis: a time series case report

BACKGROUND: Manipulative treatment for ankylosing spondylitis is a controversial subject, and no literature on using this therapy for advanced cases with fusion of the spine could be found. OBJECTIVE: To discuss the case presentation of a patient with advanced ankylosing spondylitis who was treated with chiropractic manipulation and mobilization.Clinical features The patient was a 30-year-old Asian male who was first diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis at age 12. Despite medical intervention, a series of exacerbations had fused his sacroiliac joints and the facet joints in his lumbar and cervical spine. He presented with local moderate-to-severe pain in his low back and neck and lack of mobility.Intervention and outcome The patient was treated with grade 5 manipulation of his thoracic spine and grade 3 mobilization of his lumbar and cervical spine, along with physical therapy and stretches for a period of 12 weeks. He reported some improvement of his condition as measured by the SF-36 Health Survey and several measures of spinal flexibility. CONCLUSIONS: This case shows that even advanced cases of ankylosing spondylitis may show a favorable response to chiropractic manipulative therapy.     

Injuries significantly associated with thoracic spine fractures: A case–control study

Objective: To determine injuries significantly associated with traumatic thoracic spine (T‐spine) fractures Methods: This was a case–control study undertaken in an adult trauma centre. Cases were patients admitted with a traumatic T‐spine fracture between January 1999 and August 2007. Each case had two controls matched for sex, age (±5 years) and injury severity classification (major/minor). Data were collected from patient medical records and the trauma service database. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine injuries significantly associated with T‐spine fracture. Results: Two hundred and sixty‐one cases and 512 controls were enrolled. In both groups, mean age was 41 years and 70% of patients were male. Univariate analysis revealed a range of injuries that were significantly more common among the cases, especially cervical and lumbar spine injuries, sternal/scapular/clavicular/rib fractures, pneumo/haemothorax and pulmonary contusions (P < 0.01). Skull fractures and lower limb injuries were significantly more common among the controls (P < 0.01). Logistic regression analysis revealed that only cervical and lumbar spine injuries and rib fractures were positively associated with T‐spine fracture (P < 0.001). Skull fractures and lower limb injuries were negatively associated with T‐spine injury (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Cervical and lumbar spine injuries and rib fractures are significantly associated with T‐spine fracture. The presence of these injuries should raise suspicion of concomitant T‐spine injury.     

脊柱微调手法对退行性腰椎滑脱症腰椎稳定性的影响

目的：探讨脊柱微调手法对退行性腰椎滑脱症腰椎稳定性的影响。方法：将99例患者随机分为2组，试验组采用软组织推拿和脊柱微调手法治疗．对照组采用软组织推拿和屈膝屈髋垫枕整复法治疗。治疗前后进行腰痛程度、神经损伤及生活障碍评估，以X线测量法观察微调手法对滑脱椎体前后向位移、腰椎前凸角、腰骶角、骶骨水平角等影响。结果：试验组疗效优良率60％。对照组疗效优良率36．7％，两组间疗效差异显著（P〈0．05）；试验组滑脱椎体前后向位移治疗前后无显著性差异（P〉0.05）。增大和减小的腰椎前凸角、腰骶角、骶骨水平角等治疗前后均有显著性差异（P〈0．01）。结论：脊柱微调手法疗效优于屈膝屈髋垫枕整复手法；脊柱微调手法可动态调整退行性腰椎滑脱患者的异常脊柱曲度和序列，改善脊柱承重力线．增强脊柱稳定性。     

汶川地震脊柱损伤CT诊断及其价值

目的：分析四川汶川地震脊柱损伤患者CT表现及其价值。方法：对地震发生后近2个月内先后送至四川大学华西医院治疗的148名脊柱外伤伤员,进行脊柱骨折特点CT分析。结果：148例伤员共有341个椎骨骨折,其中颈椎骨折49个,胸椎骨折110个,腰椎骨折179个,骶椎骨折3个。压缩骨折43个,爆裂骨折41个,后柱断裂149个,压缩骨折合并后柱断裂6个,爆裂骨折合并后柱断裂102个,骨折脱位18个。148例脊柱伤员有84例伴发椎管狭窄。结论：CT能准确、快速地对地震脊柱损伤患者进行诊断,为临床治疗起到指导作用。     

Thoracic and lumbar spine radiographs for walking trauma patients—is it necessary?

Numerous patients ambulating independently arrive in the Emergency Department complaining of back pain after being involved in a motor vehicle crash (MVC). We examined the yield of routine screening radiographs of the lumbar and thoracic spine in these patients. A retrospective review was carried out of the records of 3173 patients who were involved in a MVC during a 1-year period and presented to a single medical center. Radiographs of the lumbar spine, thoracic spine, or both were obtained in all patients complaining of back pain. Of 3173 ambulating MVC trauma patients, 35% (1110 patients) complained of thoracic or lumbar back pain. None of the lumbar and thoracic spine radiographs that were obtained in these patients was positive for a fracture or dislocation. The current study suggests that the yield of the routine use of spinal radiographs is very low in patients ambulating independently and complaining of back pain after a MVC.     

Distracting injuries in patients with vertebral injuries

To describe the prevalence and types of distracting injuries associated with vertebral injuries at all levels of the spine in blunt trauma patients. A prospective cohort study was conducted at an urban Level I trauma center. All patients undergoing radiographic evaluation of the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar vertebrae after blunt trauma were enrolled. Patients had a data collection form completed by the treating physician before radiographic imaging and were evaluated for the following upon initial presentation: tenderness to the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar spine, distracting injuries, altered mental status, alcohol or drug intoxication, or neurological deficits. Patients with distracting injuries as the sole documented indication for vertebral radiographs were reviewed for the types of injuries present. A total of 4698 patients were enrolled in the study. There were 336 (7.2%) patients who had distracting injuries as the sole documented indication for obtaining radiographic studies of the vertebrae. Eight (2.4%, 95% CI 1.0-4.6%) of the 336 patients had 14 acute vertebral injuries including compression fractures (5), transverse process fractures (7), spinous process fracture (1), and cervical spine rotatory subluxation (1). There were 13 thoracolumbar injuries and one cervical spine injury. Distracting injuries in the eight patients with acute vertebral injuries included 13 bony fractures. Distracting injuries in those patients without vertebral injuries included bony fractures (333), lacerations (63), soft tissue contusions (62), head injuries (15), bony dislocations (12), abrasions (11), visceral injuries (8), dental injuries (5), burns (3), ligamentous injuries (3), amputation (1), and compartment syndrome (1). In conclusion, in patients with distracting injuries, bony fractures of any type were important for identifying patients with vertebral injuries. Other types of distracting injuries did not contribute to the sensitivity of the clinical screening criteria in the detection of patients with vertebral injuries.     

螺旋CT三维和多平面重建在胸腰椎骨折中的临床应用

目的：探讨螺旋CT三维和多平面重建在胸腰椎骨折中临床应用价值。材料和方法：回顾性分析23例胸腰椎骨折和螺旋CT扫描及三维和多平面重建资料。重点观察椎体骨折的部位、椎体序列、椎体高度、骨折线、椎体附件和旋转／脱位等的CT表现。结果：23例中轴位CT显示27个椎体骨折，25个横突骨折，3个棘突骨折，3个椎弓根骨折，15个椎板骨折，4个椎间关节脱位，0个椎体脱位，1个椎体旋转，25个椎管狭窄。三维重建显示分别为27、15、3、2、7、2、4、1、25个；多平面重建显示上述结构骨折分别为27、5、3、2、5、2、4、0、25个。三维和多平面重建显示椎体骨折效果好，但对附件的显示相对较差。在显示椎体的脱位和／或旋转方面三维重建最为直观。结论：胸腰椎骨折的螺旋CT三维和多平面重建，是辅位CT扫描有价值的补充手段。进行三维和多平面重建规范化操作流程，可提高其诊断效果。     

Application of clinical criteria for ordering radiographs to detect cervical spine fractures

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to determine if spinal-immobilized patients met clinical criteria for x-rays and which clinical criteria were associated with cervical fractures. METHODS: This was a prospective, observational analysis of clinical findings and radiograph results for patients transported to the emergency department in spinal immobilization by emergency medical services. The presence of altered mentation, distracting injury, cervical spine tenderness, neck pain, neurologic deficit, and palpable deformity was recorded for each subject. RESULTS: Of the 2044 subjects enrolled in the study, 1367 subjects received radiographs and 50 had cervical spine fractures. Sixty percent of subjects met some clinical criteria for radiograph ordering. Cervical spine tenderness and neurologic deficit were the only clinical criteria statistically associated with fractures. All subjects with fractures met 1 or more of the clinical criteria for radiographs. CONCLUSION: Cervical spine radiographs were ordered for a significant number of patients who did not meet the clinical criteria. However, omission of any one of the criterion other than palpable deformity would have potentially resulted in a missed fracture. Strictly following the criteria would have significantly reduced the number of cervical spine radiographs taken.     

A rigid body model of the dynamic posteroanterior motion response of the human lumbar spine

BACKGROUND: Clinicians apply posteroanterior (PA) forces to the spine for both mobility assessment and certain spinal mobilization and manipulation treatments. Commonly applied forces include low-frequency sinusoidal oscillations (<2 Hz) as used in mobilization, single haversine thrusts (<0.5 seconds) as imparted in high-velocity, low-amplitude (HVLA) manipulation, or very rapid impulsive thrusts (<5 ms) such as those delivered in mechanical-force, manually-assisted (MFMA) manipulation. Little is known about the mechanics of these procedures. Reliable methods are sought to obtain an adequate understanding of the force-induced displacement response of the lumbar spine to PA forces. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate the kinematic response of the lumbar spine to static and dynamic PA forces. DESIGN: A 2-dimensional modal analysis was performed to predict the dynamic motion response of the lumbar spine. METHODS: A 5-degree-of-freedom, lumped equivalent model was developed to predict the PA motion of the lumbar spine. Lumbar vertebrae were modeled as masses, massless-spring, and dampers, and the resulting equations of motion were solved by using a modal analysis approach. The sensitivity of the model to variations in the spring stiffness and damping coefficients was examined, and the model validity was determined by comparing the results to oscillatory and impulsive force measurements of vertebral motion associated with spine mobilization and 2 forms of spinal manipulation. RESULTS: Model predictions, based on a damping ratio of 0.15 (moderate damping) and PA spring stiffness coefficient ranging from 25 to 60 kN/m, showed good agreement with in vivo human studies. Quasi-static and low-frequency (<2.0 Hz) forces at L3 produced L3 segmental and L3-L4 intersegmental displacements up to 8.1 mm and 3.0 mm, respectively. PA oscillatory motions were over 2.5-fold greater for oscillatory forces applied at the natural frequency. Impulsive forces produced much lower segmental displacements in comparison to static and oscillatory forces. Differences in intersegmental displacements resulting from impulsive, static, and oscillatory forces were much less remarkable. The latter suggests that intersegmental motions produced by spinal manipulation may play a prominent role in eliciting therapeutic responses. CONCLUSIONS: The simple analytical model presented in this study can be used to predict the static, cyclic, and impulsive force PA displacement response of the lumbar spine. The model provides data on lumbar segmental and intersegmental motion patterns that are otherwise difficult to obtain experimentally. Modeling of the PA motion response of the lumbar spine to PA forces assists in the understanding the biomechanics of therapeutic PA forces applied to the lumbar spine and may ultimately be used to validate chiropractic technique procedures and minimize risk to patients receiving spinal manipulative therapy.     

Pitfalls in the clinical diagnosis of vertebral fractures: a case series in which posterior midline tenderness was absent

Objective: There is widespread belief among doctors that posterior midline tenderness is virtually a prerequisite for spinal fracture in alert, sober patients without any painful distracting injury or neurological deficit. This paper examines and challenges this belief.

Methods and results: We present three patients in whom significant thoracic and lumbar vertebral fractures were missed, or were thought to be "old", because of lack of posterior midline tenderness. We also present two further patients, one with a lumbar spine fracture and one with a cervical spine fracture, in whom posterior midline tenderness was absent but in whom the correct diagnosis was made. All these patients were sober and fully alert and none had a neurological deficit or a painful distracting injury.

Conclusion: The absence of posterior midline tenderness does not exclude significant spinal injury. We suggest that patients should satisfy both the Canadian and British guidelines before it is decided that imaging of the cervical spine is unnecessary.

     

CT扫描在胸腰段脊椎爆裂骨折诊断中的价值

目的　探讨胸腰段脊椎爆裂骨折的CT扫描价值。方法　回顾性分析 40例胸腰段脊椎爆裂骨折的影像和临床资料。所有患者CT扫描层厚、层距均为 5mm。结果　脊椎胸腰段爆裂骨折的CT表现如下 :椎体向心性爆裂 ,椎体高度减低 ,椎体纵或横形骨折崩解 ,碎骨片向后移位导致椎管狭窄 ,椎板骨折 ,部分伴随横突、棘突、关节突和 /或椎体骨折。椎管狭窄的程度与神经损伤有关。结论　CT扫描能很好地显示脊椎爆裂骨折和椎管狭窄的程度 ,对胸腰段爆裂骨折的诊断 ,评价脊髓的损伤及选择治疗方法上均有重要价值。     

Missed cervical spine fracture-dislocations: the importance of clinical and radiographic assessment

OBJECTIVE: To review the case of a patient who suffered a cervical spine fracture-dislocation missed at a hospital emergency department. CLINICAL FEATURES: A 77-year-old man involved in a motor vehicle accident was transported to a local emergency hospital where cervical spine x-ray films taken were reported as demonstrating no evidence of acute injury. The patient visited a chiropractic clinic 6 days later, where x-ray films were again obtained, finding that the patient sustained fractures of C5 and C6, as well as a bilateral facet dislocation at C5/C6. Computed tomography confirmed the fractures, and magnetic resonance imaging findings demonstrated cervical spinal cord compression and posterior spinal cord displacement. INTERVENTION AND OUTCOME: The patient was referred for preoperative medical evaluation. He underwent C5-6 closed reduction and anterior/posterior fusion surgery and was released without complication. Patient follow-up indicated full recovery with minimal neurologic symptoms. CONCLUSION: Cervical spine fracture-dislocations are often missed during standard radiographic examinations in emergency department settings. Chiropractors are encouraged to perform a comprehensive evaluation of patients presenting with cervical trauma even if they have had prior x-ray films reported as normal. Standard x-ray films taken at emergency department facilities are not entirely reliable for detecting or revealing cervical spine fracture-dislocations. This case stresses the importance of careful clinical assessment and imaging procedures on patients who have encountered cervical spine trauma.     

C1 fractures: a review of diagnoses,management options,and outcomes

The atlas is subject to fracture under axial load, often due to traumatic injuries such as shallow dives and automobile accidents. These fractures account for 2–13 % of injuries to the cervical spine [Marcon RM et al. Clinics (Sao Paulo) 68(11):1455-61, 2013]. Fractures of the C1 vertebra are often difficult to diagnose, as there is often no neurological deficit or easily identifiable findings on radiographs. However, injuries to the atlas can be associated with vertebral artery injury and atlantoaxial or atlanto-occipital instability, making prompt and accurate diagnosis imperative. A detailed understanding of the anatomy, inherent stability, and common injury patterns is essential for any surgeon treating spinal trauma. This chapter explores the diagnosis and management of C1 fractures, as well as outcomes after treatment.     

198例四川地震中脊柱脊髓损伤的临床分析

目的分析四川地震脊柱脊髓损伤类型构成情况及临床特点。方法将198例伤员按照年龄段分为4组,收集骨折类型、神经损害程度、复合伤及多个部位脊柱骨折的数据,分析其临床特点。结果骨折类型以压缩骨折最多见(占49.3%),其次是爆裂骨折(占45.9%)。198例伤员中,脊髓损伤105例,ASIA分级：A级20例,B级18例,C级25例,D级42例。发生复合伤41例。发生多个椎体损伤的部位以T₁₂、L₁、L₂最多见。结论四川地震脊柱损伤类型以压缩骨折和爆裂骨折为主,主要集中在18～65岁年龄段,脊髓损伤占脊柱损伤的53.03%。     

Superiority of incremental trauma approach in experimental burst fracture studies

OBJECTIVE: To compare the incremental and single trauma approaches in experimental spinal trauma production. DESIGN: An in vitro study to produce experimental burst fractures in human spine specimens. BACKGROUND: Experimental burst fractures have been produced by researchers for various purposes using two approaches: single and incremental traumas. Both the experimental trauma approaches use drop weight technique. There have been no studies to compare these two markedly different methods. Showing clear advantages of one approach over the other may significantly affect the design of future experimental trauma studies, not only of the spine. METHODS: Using human spine specimens and drop weight technique, burst fractures of varying degrees of severity (defined by canal encroachment) were produced. Impact energies needed for the initial burst fracture and for the progression of the injury, i.e. increased canal encroachment, were studied using regression analyses. RESULTS: Poor correlation was found between the impact energy and the canal encroachment of the initial burst fracture (R(2)=0.27). A much higher correlation was found when the initial burst fracture points (energy-encroachment) were initialized to zero values and only the progression of the injury was studied (R(2)=0.84, p<0.001). The two regressions represent respectively single and incremental approaches. CONCLUSIONS: Incremental trauma approach was found to be superior to the single trauma approach, in producing a burst fracture with the desired canal encroachment in the human spine specimens, in spite of their inherent variability in size and strength of human vertebrae. RELEVANCE: The design of experimental traumas studies will benefit from the results of the present comparative evaluation of single and incremental trauma approaches. The quality of the experiment may be significantly improved.