Presentation
Neck pain after car accident.
Patient Data
Age: 35 years
Gender: Male
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Fracture through the spinous process of C6 vertebra.
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CT confirms an oblique fracture of the C6 vertebra with slight displacement. There is no extension to the lamina or facet joint on axial CT.
Case Discussion
This fracture (Clay-shoveler fracture) is mechanically stable unless the fracture is extended into the lamina. It is also important to evaluate the facet joint looking for fracture or dislocations.