Ch63 Subaxial (C3-7) injuries/Fractures

Question 1

What is the SLIC score?

Answer 1

Subaxial Injury Classification

Morphology

No abnormality (0) Simple compression (1) Burst (2) Distraction (3) Rotation/translation (4)

DLC

Intact (0) Indeterminate (1) Disrupted (2)

Neurology

Intact (0) Root injury (1) Complete SCI (2) Incomplete SCI (3) +1 continuous cord compression with neuro deficit

Question 2

What is the strongest parts of the disco-ligamentous complex in the cervical spine?

Answer 2

Facet capsule

Question 3

What mechanism causes quadrangular fractures?

Answer 3

compression flexion injuries (also cause tear-drop fractures)

Question 4

What is Pavlov’s ratio?

Answer 4

the ratio of (distance from the midlevel of the posterior VB to the closest point on the spinolaminar line): (the AP diameter of the middle of the VB)

Question 5

What is the stretch test when assessing for clinical instability in the subaxial cervical spine?

Answer 5

The cervical stretch test may be helpful in cases where stability is difficult to determine based on other factors. It may also be useful in detecting instability in cases such as an athlete with no obvious bony or ligamentous disruption. It is performed by applying graduated cervical traction with the patient lying supine on an X-ray table. Serial neurologic exams and lateral radiographs are performed

Question 6

What is the mechanism of injury that results in locked facets?

Answer 6

Flexion distraction injury