Clay-shoveler fracture
ANATOMY OF THE SPINE
The human spine is formed by individual vertebrae and connective tissue discs in between. The vertebrae form the spinal canal. There are seven cervical, twelve thoracic, and five lumbar vertebrae. The intervertebral discs are the link between the individual vertebral bodies.
Normal anatomy of the spine. Longitudinal section and cross sections through the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine.
The little joints that link the vertebrae together are known as facet joints. They help to stabilize the spine and, together with the intervertebral discs, allow a certain degree of mobility of the spinal cord. The spinal canal should be wide enough to allow nerve roots to float freely in cerebrospinal fluid.
The front border of the spinal canal is built by the vertebral bodies and intervertebral discs, the side by the intervertebral joints (facets) and back by the ligamentum flavum (yellow band) and vertebral arches. Discs consist of an outer fibrous ring (annulus fibrosus), which surrounds an inner gel-like center (nucleus pulposus).
The spinal cord and nerve roots lie within the spinal canal. The spinal cord extends downwards approx. to the 1st lumbar vertebra. Below, only nerve roots are present in the spinal canal. At the level of the intervertebral disc the nerve roots pass through the neural root foramina to exit the spinal canal. The spinal cord and nerve roots conduct electric-like signals from the skin and joints to the brain, and process of movement is initiated from the brain to the muscles.
DESCRIPTION
Clay-shoveler's fracture is an avulsion fracture of the spinous process of a vertebra. It may occur in the lower cervical or upper thoracic spine, usually at C6 or C7. If isolated, Clay-shoveler's fracture is considered to be stable.
Clay-shoveler's fracture
CAUSE OF SYMPTOMS
Cervical vertebral fracture
SYMPTOMS AND SIGNS
Pain and stiffness in the neck
THE DIAGNOSIS IS BASED ON
Medical history Clinical exam Computer tomography Radiographs TREATMENT
The treatment may be non-surgical or surgical.
Non-surgical treatment may include
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs Immobilization with collar
WHEN SHOULD AN OPERATION BE PERFORMED?
Local pain caused by pseudarthrosis (non union) months after the trauma.
WHAT IS THE GOAL OF SURGERY?
To remove the non-united fragment
WHICH OTHER DISEASES SHOULD BE EXCLUDED (DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS)?
Other fractures of the spine Osteoporosis Pathologic vertebral fracture Ankylosing spondylitis (Bechterew's disease) The condition is treated by medical spetialists in the field of: