Lateral flexion/extension radiographs: still recommended following cervical spinal injury.
We present the case of a patient who sustained a cervical spinal injury and subsequent transient quadriplegia with full recovery from the spinal cord concussion. Initial plain X-ray films and magnetic resonance imaging did not show any pathological findings, but lateral radiographs in flexion and extension performed 10 days later revealed a fracture of the C4 spinous process without ligamentous instability, confirming significant injury to the cervical spine.
Fricker
R
R
Department of Surgery, University of Basel, Kantonsspital, Switzerland.
Gächter
A
A
D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000293:injuries*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*