title: Double fractures of the spine--an indication for routine radiographic examination of the entire spine after injury.
abstract: Routine radiographic examination of the entire spine in 103 patients with traumatic spinal cord injuries has demonstrated double fractures of the spine in 5 patients. The incidence, clinical significance and mechanism of injury are discussed. The danger of overlooking the presence of a second spinal fracture in the paralysed patient and thus putting the patient at risk of increased spinal cored injury is stressed. A simple system of radiographic examination is described and routine radiographic examination of the entire spine in all patients who have sustained spinal cord injury is advocated.
mesh_terms: D000063:Accidents, Traffic; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000293:injuries*; D005260:Female; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011859:Radiography; D013124:Spinal Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D013679:Technology, Radiologic; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000293:injuries*