Is there an association between fractures of the cervical spine and first- and second-rib fractures?
OBJECTIVE
To investigate a potential association between cervical spine injury and first- and second-rib fractures.


METHODS
Retrospective review of the radiologic and medical records of 28 consecutive patients admitted to an acute spinal injury unit.


RESULTS
A total of 10 (36%) of the patients with cervical spine trauma also had fractures of either the first or second ribs. Eight of these 10 patients had a fracture or fracture-subluxation of the seventh cervical vertebra or the C6/7 segment.


CONCLUSIONS
Almost one-third of patients with traumatic cervical spine injury have an associated upper-rib fracture. The strongest association is between injury at the C7 level and first-rib fracture.
Department of Radiology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS. mlogan@beaumont.ie
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D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012253:Rib Fractures / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging