Peculiar fracture of the cervical spine: a rara avis.
METHODS
Case report.


OBJECTIVE
To report a peculiar case of the cervical spine that ensued after a sudden harsh extension along with its prompt evaluation and management.


BACKGROUND
Fractures of the cervical spine do occur and are usually inconsequential because of the rarity of accompanying neurologic complications. Accordingly, they are often treated conventionally.


METHODS
Cervical radiographies and magnetic resonance imaging were performed to depict the fracture.


RESULTS
Cervical radiographies demonstrated the C7 fracture in our patient but the magnetic resonance imaging also disclosed a T1 fracture. He was treated by physical therapy and close follow-up.


CONCLUSIONS
This type of an unexpected incident in daily life can be seen and it should always orient the clinicians toward being vigilant against concomitant vertebral fractures or neurologic complications. And once it is proven that the spinal cord is not compromised, one might feel comfortable in treating solely these inconsequential fractures conventionally.
Ozçakar
Levent
L
Hacettepe University Medical School, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Ankara, Turkey. lozcakar@yahoo.com
Başgöze
Osman
O
D000328:Adult; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D009068:Movement; D011859:Radiography; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000293:injuries