Clay-shoveler fracture
Presentation
Neck pain after car accident.
Patient Data
Age: 35 years
Gender: Male
From the case:
Clay-shoveler fracture
X-ray
X-ray cervical spine
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Frontal
Fracture through the spinous process of C6 vertebra.
From the case:
Clay-shoveler fracture
CT
CT Cervical spine
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Axial bone window
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.