Unrecognized pathologic fractures of the cervical spine: two case reports and review of the literature.
Two cases of undiagnosed pathologic fractures of the cervical spine are presented. A discussion of the pathogenesis, typical presentation, and the optimal emergency department evaluation of a possible pathologic fracture of the cervical spine follows the reports.
Austin
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P
Department of Emergency Medicine, East Carolina University School of Medicine, Greenville, North Carolina 27858-4354.
Hanlon
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D
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000293:injuries*; D005260:Female; D005598:Fractures, Spontaneous / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology; D013125:Spinal Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000556:secondary*