Anterior cervical wedge fracture
Background
- Unstable if over half of vertebral height lost OR multiple adjacent wedge fractures
Clinical Features
- Neck pain after trauma
- May have cord injury symptoms (complete vs. incomplete)
Differential Diagnosis
Vertebral fractures and dislocations types
- Cervical fractures and dislocations
- Thoracic and lumbar fractures and dislocations
Evaluation
- CT scan to evaluate
- MRI may be useful, especially if neuro symptoms, as often associated posterior ligamentous injury
Management
- Prehospital Immobilization see NAEMSP National Guidelines for Spinal Immobilization
- Keep in C-collar