Double fractures of the spine--an indication for routine radiographic examination of the entire spine after injury.
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.
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*