- Discussion:
- hyperextension dislocation type of injury of Cervical Spine may be assoc w/ marked neurologic deficit - esp Central Cord Syndrome;
- cervical cord is compressed between posteriorly dislocated vertebral body and the posterior longitudinal ligament, & posterior
elements and ligamentum flavum;
- Radiographs:
- combination of prevertebral soft tissue swelling in association w/ normal alignment of C-spine suggests hyperextension dislocation;
- contralateral facet subluxation & anterolisthesis suggest hyperextension frx dislocation;
- may see avulsion frag from antero-inferior end plate of dislocated body;
- transverse diameter of the fragment typically is > vertical ht;
- vacum disc or widening of the intervertebral disc space;
- unilateral articular mass frx are seen on AP film as disruption of undulating lataeral margin;
- lateral film:
- as disruption of Facet Joint;
- oblique film:
- facet frx lines as well as facet disarticulation