Cervical spinous process fractures: The Spectrum Of Injuries

Abstract

Objective: To define the spectrum of injuries associated with cervical spinous process fractures as well as the management strategies. Materials and Methods: retrospective study over a three- year period. A total of 17 patients were analysed. The male to female ratio: 8:1. The age range was 17 - 57 years. The mechanisms of injury were ; motor-vehicle accidents, fall from a height, gunshot injuries, and a falling wall. Results: Most patients who had injuries were males. The lower cervical spine is the area most commonly involved. There was one case of isolated cervical spinous process involvement and one case of upper and lower cervical spine involvement. Sixteen patients had additional vertebral column involvement. About half of the patients had other body injuries. Five of the patients ( 29%) who had associated cervical spine injuries needed cervical fusion. Conclusion: Spinous process fractures may be associated with other serious injuries. Thorough diagnostic work-up is mandatory in patients who sustained high-risk injuries. Spinous process fractures of the cervical spine may be one aspect of a serious injury.