Peculiar fracture of the cervical spine: a rara avis.

Abstract

Case report. To report a peculiar case of the cervical spine that ensued after a sudden harsh extension along with its prompt evaluation and management. 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. Cervical radiographies and magnetic resonance imaging were performed to depict the fracture. 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. 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.