Wk 5, Case 50 - Review

EXAMINATION: CT cervical spine

INDICATION: Trauma

COMPARISON: None available.

TECHNIQUE: CT images of the cervical spine were performed without contrast. Multiplanar reconstructions were obtained.

FINDINGS:

Mildly displaced transversely oriented fracture through both pedicles of the C7 vertebra with involvement of the left transverse foramen. Jumped facet at C6-C7 on the right with perched facet on the left. Mild widening of the interspinous distance at C6-C7. No traumatic spondylolisthesis. Atlanto-occipital and atlanto-dental articulations are preserved.

7 cervical-type vertebral bodies. Straightening of the normal cervical lordosis. Moderate to severe multilevel degenerative disc disease, greatest at the C5-C6 and C6-C7 levels. Multilevel uncovertebral and facet joint arthrosis results in bilateral foraminal narrowing, up to severe at C5-C6 on the left.

Heterogeneous opacities of both lung apices, possibly representing aspiration and/or early contusion. Partially imaged intracranial structures are unremarkable. Mild craniocervical vascular calcifications.

IMPRESSION:

Unstable fracture of the C7 vertebra involving both pedicles and left transverse foramen. Jumped facet on the right and perched facet on the left at C6-C7. MRI is recommended for further characterization.