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Cervical burst fracture
From WikEM
Contents
Background
- Unstable if:
- Associated neurologic deficits
- Loss of >50% of vertebral body height
- >20 degrees of spinal angulation
- Compromise of >50% of spinal canal
- Axial compression > nucleus pulposus forced into vertebral body
Clinical Features
Differential Diagnosis
Cervical Spine Fractures and Dislocations
Evaluation
- Imaging
- Lateral x-ray - Comminuted body and loss of vertebral height
- AP x-ray - Vertical fracture of the body
Management
- Prehospital Immobilization see NAEMSP National Guidelines for Spinal Immobilization
