Plain Radiographs Of Cervical Spine Research Articles

Implementation of a pediatric trauma cervical spine clearance pathway.

Pediatric cervical spine injuries are rare events. Missed injuries must be weighed against radiation exposure and excess resource utilization in a young population. A universal pediatric cervical spine clearance algorithm does not exist. The study objective is to determine if care improved after the implementation of a standardized cervical spine clearance pathway by evaluating imaging rates, length of stay, speciality consultation, and injury detection. A multidisciplinary group reviewed relevant literature to develop an algorithm for cervical spine clearance in pediatric trauma patients. We reviewed patient charts 15months before and after implementation. Categorical comparisons were tested with Chi-square. A p value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The pre- and post-implementation groups were homogenous when comparing demographics, mechanism and severity of injury. Using the cervical spine clearance pathway, patients received fewer plain cervical spine radiographs (34% vs 16%), fewer spine speciality consults (28% vs 13%), and more patients were cleared clinically (44% vs 62%) (p < 0.05). There were 2 (1.7%) documented injuries in the pre-implementation group and 3 (3%) documented injuries in the post-implementation group. There were no missed injuries. Use of a standardized pathway allows more patients' cervical spines to be cleared clinically and better utilizes resources without compromising patient care. Level III. Care Management Study.

Cervical Spine Evaluation in Pediatric Trauma: A Review and an Update of Current Concepts.

The clinical presentation and diagnostic workup in pediatric cervical spine injuries (CSI) are different from adults owing to the unique anatomy and relative immaturity. The current article reviews the existing literature regarding the uniqueness of these injuries and discusses the current guidelines of radiological evaluation. A PubMed search was conducted using keywords “paediatric cervical spine injuries” or “paediatric cervical spine trauma.” Six hundred and ninety two articles were available in total. Three hundred and forty three articles were considered for the review after eliminating unrelated and duplicate articles. Further screening was performed and 67 articles (original articles and review articles only) related to pediatric CSI were finally included. All articles were reviewed for details regarding epidemiology, injury patterns, anatomic considerations, clinical, and radiological evaluation protocols. CSIs are the most common level (60%–80%) for pediatric Spinal Injuries (SI). Children suffer from atlantoaxial injuries 2.5 times more often than adults. Children's unique anatomical features (large head size and highly flexible spine) predispose them to such a peculiar presentation. The role of National Emergency X-Ray Utilization Study, United State (NEXUS) and Canadian Cervical Spine Rule criteria in excluding pediatric cervical injury is questionable but cannot be ruled out completely. The minimum radiological examination includes 2- or 3-view cervical X-rays (anteroposterior, lateral ± open-mouth odontoid views). Additional radiological evaluations, including computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are obtained in situations of abnormal physical examination, abnormal X-rays, inability to obtain adequate X-rays, or to assess cord/soft-tissue status. The clinical criteria for cervical spine injury clearance can generally be applied to children older than 2 years of age. Nevertheless, adequate caution should be exercised before applying these rules in younger children. Initial radiographic investigation should be always adequate plain radiographs of cervical spine. CT and MRI scans should only be performed in an appropriate group of pediatric patients.

A novel anterior decompression technique (vertebral body sliding osteotomy) for ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament of the cervical spine

Background ContextConventional anterior decompression surgery for cervical myelopathy, including anterior corpectomy and fusion, is technically demanding and is known to be associated with a higher incidence of surgery-related complications, including cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage, neurologic deterioration, and graft failure compared with posterior surgery. PurposeWe introduce a novel anterior decompression technique (vertebral body sliding osteotomy [VBSO]) for cervical myelopathy caused by ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) and evaluate the efficacy and safety of this procedure. Study DesignThis is a case series for novel surgical technique. Patient SampleFourteen patients (M:F=11:3, mean age 56.9±10) with cervical myelopathy caused by OPLL who underwent VBSO by a single surgeon were included. Outcome MeasuresThe surgical outcome was evaluated according to the Japanese Orthopaedic Association score for cervical myelopathy (C-JOA score), and the recovery rate of the C-JOA score was calculated. Patients were also evaluated radiographically with plain and dynamic cervical spine radiographs and pre- and postoperative computed tomography images. MethodsFourteen patients were followed up for more than 24 months, and operation time, estimated blood loss, neurologic outcomes, and surgery-related complications were investigated. Radiological measurements were also performed to analyze the following parameters: (1) canal-occupying ratio and postoperative canal widening, and (2) pre- and postoperative sagittal alignment. ResultsThe mean recovery rate of C-JOA score at the final follow-up was 68.65±17.8%. There were no perioperative complications, including neurologic deterioration, vertebral artery injury, esophageal injury, graft dislodgement, and CSF leaks, after surgery except for pseudarthrosis in one case. An average spinal canal compromised ratio by OPLL decreased from 61.5±8.1% preoperatively to 16.5±11.2% postoperatively. An average postoperative canal widening was 5.15±1.39 mm, and improvement of cervical alignment was observed in all patients, with average recovery angle of 7.3±6.1° postoperatively. ConclusionsThe VBSO allows sufficient decompression of spinal cord and provides excellent neurologic outcomes. Because surgeons do not need to manipulate the OPLL mass directly, this technique could significantly decrease surgery-related complications. Furthermore, as VBSO is based on the multilevel discectomy and fusion technique, it would be more helpful to restore a physiological lordosis.

Sensitivity of plain radiography for pediatric cervical spine injury.

Pediatric patients with suspected cervical spine injuries (CSI) often receive a computed tomography (CT) scan as an initial diagnostic imaging test. While sensitive, CT of the cervical spine carries significant radiation and risk of lethal malignant transformation later in life. Plain radiographs carry significantly less radiation and could serve as the preferred screening tool, provided they have a high functional sensitivity in detecting pediatric patients with CSI. We hypothesize that plain cervical spine radiographs can reliably detect pediatric patients with CSI and seek to quantify the functional sensitivity of plain radiography as compared to CT. We analyzed data from the NEXUS cervical spine study to assess the sensitivity of plain radiographs in the evaluation of CSI. We identified all pediatric patients who underwent plain radiographic imaging, and all pediatric patients found to have CSI. We then determined the sensitivity of plain radiographs in detecting pediatric patients with CSI. We identified 44 pediatric patients with CSI in the dataset with age ranging from 2 to 18years old. Thirty-two of the 44 pediatric patients received cervical spine plain films as a part of their workup. Plain films were able to identify all 32 pediatric patients with CSI to yield a sensitivity of 100% in detecting injury victims (95% confidence interval 89.1-100.0%). Plain radiography was highly sensitive for the identification of CSI in our cohort of pediatric patients and is useful as a screening tool in the evaluation of pediatric CSI.

Dropped head syndrome after cervical laminoplasty: A case control study

Dropped head syndrome (DHS) is characterized by apparent neck extensor muscle weakness and difficulty extending the neck to raise the head against gravity. The aim of the present study was to elucidate possible risk factors for DHS after cervical laminoplasty. Five patients who developed DHS after cervical laminoplasty (DHS group) and twenty age-matched patients who underwent laminoplasty without DHS after surgery (control group) were compared. The surgical procedure was single-door laminoplasty with strut grafting using resected spinous processes or hydroxyapatite spacers from C3 to C6 or C7. Analyses of preoperative images including the C2–C7 angle, C7–T1 kyphosis, T1 tilt, center of gravity line from the head–C7 sagittal vertical axis (CGH–C7 SVA) were performed on lateral plain cervical spine radiographs. Preoperative T2-weighted MRI at the C5 vertebral level was used to measure the cross-sectional area of the deep extensor muscles. Widths of the lateral gutters were assessed postoperatively using CT scans of the C5 vertebral body. The average preoperative C2–C7 angle was significantly smaller in the DHS group compared with the control group. The average preoperative C7–T1 angle was significantly larger in the DHS group compared with the control group. The average preoperative CGH–C7 SVA was significantly larger in the DHS group compared with the control group. In conclusion, patients with more pronounced preoperative C2–C7 kyphosis, C7–T1 kyphosis, and CGH–C7 SVA are more likely to develop DHS following laminoplasty.

Indwelling Drains Are Not Necessary for Patients Undergoing One-level Anterior Cervical Fixation Surgery

Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) has become a common procedure for cervical spine surgeries, since it is safe and effective in most patients. However, some patients develop life-threatening problems such as respiratory obstruction arising from rare postoperative hematoma and edema, although intraoperative bleeding caused by the connective tissue splitting procedure or bleeding caused by postoperative insertion of a suction tube has rarely been reported. Investigation of the requirement for indwelling drains in patients who undergo cervical spine surgery is necessary because of the pain, anxiety, and discomfort caused despite the use of high-quality materials. Enrolled in the study were 43 patients who underwent one-level anterior cervical fixation surgery, including 23 (randomly selected) who received an indwelling drain (group A, mean age: 57.78±14.46 years, range: 39-82 years, male/female: 13/10), and 20 who received no indwelling drain (group B, mean age: 57.00±13.99 years, range: 29-81 years, male/female: 12/8). Intraoperative bleeding amounts, lateral views of plain cervical spine radiographs, prevertebral space (PVS) changes on plain radiographs and computed tomography (CT) images, wound inspections, and pain assessments on the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) were compared between groups. In addition, a history of risk factors for bleeding, such as hypertension, diabetes, and cerebrovascular diseases which require antiplatelet therapy, was determined. Hepatic failure was observed in none of the patients. Postoperative CT images obtained the day following surgery showed no densities indicating the presence of postoperative hematoma in any of the 43 patients. The maximum amount of intraoperative bleeding was 10 mL, with no significant difference between groups. No patients reported an obvious pain level on NRS, but the pain was significantly milder in group B (A: 1.326±0.911, B: 0.555±0.556, p=0.0037). The postoperative PVS increment on plain radiographs was comparable between groups (A: 1.778±0.992, B: 1.730±0.966, p=0.8728). Given the negligible intraoperative and postoperative bleeding observed in both groups, and the lack of difference in PVS increments between the groups, our results suggested that indwelling drains are not required for patients undergoing typical anterior cervical fixation surgery. However, it is important to take care of major vessels such as the superior and inferior thyroid arteries and the external jugular vein as well as the prevertebral venous plexus during surgery.

Special considerations in the interpretation of plain radiographs of the cervical spine in children. A review of the literature.

This review provides an overview of the special considerations with regard to correct diagnosis of plain radiographs of the pediatric cervical spine. Injuries to the cervical spine are rare in children. The leading trauma mechanism is motor vehicle injury. Plain radiographs are a common tool in the search for a diagnosis. Taking the growth process into account there are many differences to be found compared to the adult c-spine. Knowledge of these differences is important when working towards the correct interpretation of plain radiographs of the pediatric c-spine. To create this review, a literature search of the electronic databases Cochrane, PubMed/MEDLINE and Embase was conducted. Special considerations of plain radiographs of the pediatric c-spine are presented. Biomechanical and embryology specifics have been a focus of this review. They are explained relating on the development of the c-spine. The known auxiliary lines used in the interpreting of the pediatric c-spine are reported. A selection of these auxiliary lines is shown. Knowledge of the c-spines characteristics is of major importance for every physician involved in pediatric trauma care. This could lead to not only avoiding misdiagnosis but could also lead to avoiding the overuse of computed tomography of the pediatric c-spine.

Double Hangmanʼs Fracture

Clinical case report and review of the literature. To report a very rare case of bipedicular fracture of C2, C3 along with traumatic spondylolisthesis of the C2, C3 vertebral bodies together over C4 without any neurological deficits. Cervical spine injury is a potentially fatal and debilitating incident because of the risk of damage of the cervical spinal cord. Hangman's fracture comprises 4% to 7% of all traumatic cervical spine fractures. Attempting closed reduction in a neurologically intact patient may cause the development of new deficits during time of traction, especially in the case of compromised neural canal. The management should be aimed at providing a stable well-aligned spine without causing any new neurological deficits. A 35-year-old female had a motor vehicle accident and her forehead collided against the ground, causing hyperextension-compression type injury of the cervical spine that resulted in complaints of neck pain on movement. Cervical spine plain radiographs revealed spondylolisthesis of C2, C3 vertebral bodies together over C4 with bipedicular fracture of C2, C3. A computed tomographic scan confirmed these fractures. Magnetic resonance imaging further demonstrated spondylolisthesis without any spinal cord compression or signal abnormality. An anterior C2, C3 and C3-C4 cervical fusion was performed with iliac crest tricortical strut grafting and anterior cervical plating. The patient was turned to a prone position on the striker bed and posterior fixation was performed with lateral mass screws of C1 and C5. Reduction of the spondylolisthesis was achieved with gradual cervical traction in an awake intubation followed by 360º of fusion with both anterior and posterior fixation. Bipedicular fracture of C2, C3 along with traumatic spondylolisthesis of the C2, C3 vertebral bodies together over C4 without any neurological deficits is very rare injury and needs methodical 360º fixation.

The pediatric cervical spine instability study

Cervical spine clearance in severely injured children after trauma is often difficult because of unique injury patterns, concerns about radiation exposure to growing tissue, and unfamiliarity with unstable cervical injuries. We prospectively assessed the utility of four radiographic modalities to clear the cervical spine in children after severe trauma. Twenty-four comatose, intubated children with severe traumatic injuries underwent radiographic evaluation to clear the cervical spine. Each patient had plain radiographs, flexion-extension radiographs under fluoroscopy, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging within 10 days of admission. Patients underwent cervical spine flexion-extension radiographs 2-3 months after trauma to detect late instability. Sensitivity and specificity for each radiographic modality was determined. Plain cervical spine radiographs demonstrated sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 95%; flexion-extension radiographs had “indeterminate” sensitivity and specificity of 100%. For CT, sensitivity was 100% and specificity was 95%, and for MR imaging, sensitivity was 100% and specificity was 74%. There was a low prevalence of cervical instability in this high-risk group. Plain radiographs, flexion-extension radiographs, and CT all had high sensitivities and specificities. MR imaging had a high false-positive rate, making it sensitive but not specific. The data support using either CT or plain radiographs as the initial cervical spine screening study, but CT is recommended because of its superior ability to detect critical injuries. To definitively rule out ligamentous instability after a negative screening CT scan or cervical spine X-ray, these data support using flexion-extension X-rays with fluoroscopy and not MR imaging.

Advanced Trauma Life Support Radiographic Trauma Series: Part 1 - the Cervical Spine Radiograph

Plain cervical spine radiographs are the first line investigation in trauma patients to exclude cervical spine fractures and dislocations. Adequate views are essential to reduce the risk of missing diagnoses. Injuries may however not be visible on plain cervical spine radiographs despite adequate views. Additional imaging such as computer tomography scanning is indicated in the event of a normal plain radiograph if there is any clinical suspicion of injury.

Unilateral Hypoglossal Nerve Injury in a Collegiate Wrestler: A Case Report

To introduce the case of a collegiate wrestler who suffered a traumatic unilateral hypoglossal nerve injury. This case presents the opportunity to discuss the diagnosis and treatment of a 20-year-old man with an injury to his right hypoglossal nerve. Injuries to the hypoglossal nerve (cranial nerve XII) are rare. Most reported cases are the result of malignancy, with traumatic causes less common. In this case, a collegiate wrestler struck his head on the wrestling mat during practice. No loss of consciousness occurred. The wrestler initially demonstrated signs and symptoms of a mild concussion, with dizziness and a headache. These concussion symptoms cleared quickly, but the athlete complained of difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) and demonstrated slurred speech (dysarthria). Also, his tongue deviated toward the right. No other neurologic deficits were observed. Occipital-cervical junction fracture, syringomyelia, malignancy, iatrogenic causes, cranial nerve injury. After initial injury recognition, the athletic trainer placed the patient in a cervical collar and transported him to the emergency department. The patient received prednisone, and the emergency medicine physician ordered cervical spine plain radiographs, brain computed tomography, and brain and internal auditory canal magnetic resonance imaging. The physician consulted a neurologist, who managed the patient conservatively, with rest and no contact activity. The neurologist allowed the patient to participate in wrestling 7 months after injury. To our knowledge, no other reports of unilateral hypoglossal nerve injury from relatively low-energy trauma (including athletics) exist. Hypoglossal nerve injury should be considered in individuals with head injury who experience dysphagia and dysarthria. Athletes with head injuries require cranial nerve assessments.

Incidence And Radiography Of Upper Cervical Spine Injury In Blunt Head Injury In A Rural Hospital Setting

Objective: The purpose of this study is to look at the incidence and determine whether standard plain cervical spine radiographs are adequate in detecting C1 and C2 fractures in patients with blunt head injury. Materials and Methods: We prospectively studied 112 patients admitted to our hospital with blunt head trauma from whatever cause. All patients with blunt head trauma reffered for CT scan of the cranium had a routine CT scan of C1 and C2 Vertebra. The plain x-ray of cervical spine, CT scan of C1 and C2 vertebra were read by consultant radiologist who was not involved in the patient management. The author then compared the relative abilities of plain films and compared with CT scans as referenced standard to detect fractures of C1 and C2 vertebrae. Results: A total of 2 (1.7%) fractures of C1 and a total of 9 (8.0%) fractures of C2 were demonstrated, with a total of 11(9.8%) fractures. For C1 fracture, plain radiograph has a sensitivity of 100.0%, specificity of 98.2%, positive predictive value of 50.0%, negative predictive value of 100.0% and correctly classified of 98.2%. For C2 fracture, plain radiograph has a sensitivity of 33.3%, specificity of 98.1%, positive predictive value of 60.0%, negative predictive value of 90.5% and correctly classified of 93.1%. For C1 and C2 fracture in combination, plain radiograph has a sensitivity of 45.4%, specificity of 98.2%, positive predictive value of 55.5%, negative predictive value of 97.3% and correctly classified of 95.6%. Conclusion: The overall results of the study suggest that plain cervical spine radiographs are still reliable if used as the sole screening modality in the detection of C1 and C2 fractures in rural setting where availability of CT is scarce.

Cervical Spine Clearance in Unconscious Traumatic Brain Injury Patients: Dynamic Flexion-Extension Fluoroscopy versus Computed Tomography with Three-Dimensional Reconstruction

An optimal protocol for clearing the cervical spine in unconscious patients with traumatic brain injury remains controversial. Protocols include plain radiographs and computed tomography (CT), and ligamentous injury may be identified with flexion-extension radiographs. We questioned whether cervical CT with three-dimensional (3D) reconstructions may obviate the need for flexion-extension radiology in the detection of occult ligamentous injury. Between July 1999 and November 2001, 276 unconscious traumatic brain injured patients admitted to The Alfred Hospital received cervical spine plain radiographs, CT with 3D reconstructions, and dynamic flexion-extension X-ray studies with fluoroscopy as part of a routine protocol. These patients were identified from a prospective intensive care unit database and all radiology reports were reviewed. Dynamic flexion-extension X-ray studies with fluoroscopy identified no new fractures or instability; there were no instances of true-positive results. Dynamic flexion-extension was true-negative in 260 of 276 (94%) patients, falsely positive in six patients (2.2%) and falsely negative in one (0.4%) patient. In nine patients, dynamic flexion-extension was inadequate. Dynamic flexion-extension X-ray studies with fluoroscopy delayed cervical spine clearance and were almost always reported as normal. In a cervical spine clearance protocol for unconscious traumatic brain injury patients, dynamic flexion-extension X-ray studies with fluoroscopy did not identify any patients with cervical fracture or instability not already identified by plain radiographs and fine-cut CT (C0 to T2) with 3D reconstructions.

The Inefficiency of Plain Radiography to Evaluate the Cervical Spine After Blunt Trauma

Controversy persists regarding the most efficient and effective method of cervical spine evaluation after blunt trauma. Historic guidelines for patients undergoing computed tomography (CT) of the head advocate imaging the occiput-C2 as part of that study. For the remaining cervical spine, plain cervical spine radiographs (CSR) with supplemental CT are recommended. Many patients who require head CT also undergo supplemental cervical spine CT after plain CSR, which leads to separate, discontinuous cervical spine CT scans. We sought to determine the incidence of this in our population. We hypothesized that plain CSR alone often proves inadequate to evaluate the cervical spine in patients who require head CT. The Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma (EAST) guidelines for cervical spine evaluation after blunt trauma were previously adopted and followed during the study period from December 1, 2002 to July 1, 2003. Our protocol included cross-table lateral and anteroposterior CSR with the occiput-C2 imaged with the head CT. We used segmental cervical spine CT to supplement those regions inadequately visualized by plain films. The electronic charts of 848 consecutive blunt trauma victims were retrospectively reviewed. The data abstracted included demographics, injury severity score, and the use and results of head CT and radiographic evaluation of the cervical spine. Of 848 consecutive blunt trauma patients, 716 (84.4%) underwent head CT. Average age was 44 years old, and average Injury Severity Score was 9. Seventy-six patients (11.6%) had clinical cervical spine examination alone, whereas 640 (89.4%) underwent plain CSR. In 178 patients (27.8%), plain two-view CSR visualized the entire cervical spine. Plain CSR were inadequate to visualize the complete cervical spine in 462 patients (72.2%). Of these patients, segmental CT was performed in 400 (87.6%). The remaining 62 (13.4%) patients did not have radiologic completion of their cervical spine evaluation before clinical examination. Nineteen patients (3.0%) had cervical spine fractures diagnosed on CT, of which only 6 (31.6%) were seen on plain CSR. The sensitivity and specificity of CSR to detect fractures was 31.6 and 99.2%, respectively. Plain CSR are inadequate to fully evaluate the cervical spine after blunt trauma, and supplemental CT is commonly required. Complete cervical spine CT is available, efficient, and accurate. Our findings support a growing body of literature that suggests that this modality should be used for blunt trauma patients who require radiographic evaluation of the cervical spine. Plain cervical spine radiographs need not be obtained. The EAST guidelines for cervical spine evaluation after blunt trauma should be updated to reflect this evolving practice pattern.

Bedside fluoroscopic flexion and extension cervical spine radiographs for clearance of the cervical spine in comatose trauma patients.

Bedside flexion and extension fluoroscopic examinations have been proposed as an option for clearance of the cervical spine in comatose brain-injured patients. We hypothesized that these studies, when performed after normal static imaging of the cervical spine, would have an extremely low likelihood of identifying occult ligamentous instability and would not be adequate for visualizing the lower cervical spine. Radiographic images obtained from 56 consecutive comatose head-injured patients were reviewed. All patients had normal anteroposterior, lateral, and open mouth odontoid cervical spine radiographs and normal thin-cut axial computed tomographic images from the occiput to C2 and through the lower cervical spine if suspicious areas were identified on plain cervical spine radiographs. After these static images were determined to be normal by both the attending neurosurgeon and the attending radiologist, all 56 patients had bedside fluoroscopic flexion and extension studies performed by the neurosurgery resident, with the patients' arms being pulled down to their sides by the primary care nurse. The bedside fluoroscopic flexion and extension studies were considered to be adequate (visualization to the C7-T1 motion segment) in only 4% of the patients. Occult instability was identified in one patient (type II odontoid fracture) and significant instability was missed in one patient with C6 to C7 dislocation in whom flexion and extension radiographs failed to visualize the C6 to C7 motion segment. Bedside flexion and extension fluoroscopy was almost always inadequate for visualizing the lower cervical spine in comatose head-injured patients. Because of the extremely low likelihood of visualizing the entire cervical spine with this technique, we recommend that it no longer be considered an option in trauma center protocols for clearance of the cervical spine in comatose brain-injured patients.

NECK INJURY-FOOTBALL

HISTORY a 18 year old senior high school football running back presented to clinic 1 month after injury for evaluation of right shoulder and neck pain. During the post season all star game, the patient struck an opposing player with his right shoulder, while on kick off return. He had immediate sensation of pain and numbness in the right shoulder. There was no instability at the time of injury as documented per the trainer. The patient continued play for the rest of the game. At the time of evaluation he had pain around the AC joint and right trapezius. He had no complaints of weakness or numbness. He complained of ongoing neck stiffness upon awakening and pain was exacerbated by overhead activities. The patient has had previous history of multiple burners associated with numbness. PHYSICAL EXAMINATION Examination, one month after injury, revealed asymmetry and wasting of the deltoid and supraspinatus muscles on the right side. There was also mild tenderness with palpation over the upper trapezius muscle, greater tuberosity, and biceps tendon. Active range of motion (ROM) of the shoulder was limited in forward flexion and abduction to 90 degrees and internal rotation to L2/L3 level. The patient had pain with passive ROM in internal and external rotation as well as abduction. Strength was decreased at 4/5 for forward flexion, abduction, internal rotation, and external rotation. The patient had a positive sulcus sign bilaterally with negative apprehension/relocation test. Provocative testing for impingement was negative. Spurling's test was also negative. Active C-spine ROM was normal. DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS Brachial plexopathy invoving upper trunk C5-C6 Axillary nerve injury Herniated nucleus pulposis (HNP) at C4-C5 Foraminal encroachment Cervical stenosis Cervical fracture Cervical instability TESTS AND RESULTS Anteroposterior (AP), Y, and Axillary shoulder radiographs: -no bony abnormalities Plain radiographs of cervical spine in flexion and extension: -no bony abnormalities or indications of ligamentous instability Electromyelographic (EMG) with Sensory Nerve Conduction (SNC) analysis of right upper extremity:-Right thumb sensory study revealed normal peak latency and amplitude in the median portion and borderline peak latency and amplitude in the radial portion. -Monopolar needle EMG revealed abnormal spontaneous activity in the right infraspinatus and deltoid muscles with evidence of reinervation in the same muscles and in the right serratus anterior.-Overall impressions reveals electrodiagnostic evidence of a severe acute on chronic right partial axonotmetic injury involving the right upper trunk versus C6 nerve root involvement. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of cervical spine:-No evidence of herniated nucleus pulposis or spinal stenosis.-Minimal, if any bony foraminal narrowing at C5-C6 level or elsewhere. FINAL WORKING DIAGNOSIS Acute on chronic brachial plexus injury. TREATMENT AND OUTCOMES Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories as needed for pain. Strengthening and ROM exercises thru physical therapy. At return visit 3.5 months after initial visit, the patient had full ROM of the shoulder with no decrements in strength. Cervical range of motion was normal. The patients only complaints were of mild muscle tenderness over the right trapezius. There was still evidence of right sided trapezius and deltoid wasting. He had experienced one episode of right arm numbness, lasting one day, after bench pressing. He was advised to continue activites as tolerated to pain but to avoid activities such as bench and military press. He will continue strength training and be re-evaluated in 3 additional months. Repeat EMG/SNC in 6 months from first exam to evaluate recovery.

Safety of neck rotation for ear surgery in children with Down syndrome.

Seek information about spinal cord safety for children with Down syndrome positioned for ear surgery. Prospective consecutive patients, each serving as his or her own control. Somatosensory evoked potentials were recorded from 17 children who were undergoing elective otolaryngological surgery. None of the patients had neurological symptoms or physical examination findings suggesting cervical spinal cord embarrassment. Specifically, muscle tone was normal or mildly reduced globally, consistent with Down syndrome, and deep tendon reflexes were normal and not appreciably different in the upper and lower extremities. On plain lateral radiographs obtained in the neutral, flexed, and extended positions, the patients' cervical spines were normal. When the anesthetized children had their necks placed in either right or left 60 degrees rotation, no significant change in somatosensory latency or amplitude was found. With more than 99.999% certainty, neurologically intact children with Down syndrome with normal plain cervical spine radiographs were not exposed to extra risks by 60 degrees neck rotation during surgery. Patients with Down syndrome who are neurologically intact and who have normal lateral neck radiographs do not appear at great risk with neck rotation.

Thoracic scoliosis and restricted neck motion: a new syndrome? A report of six cases.

The cases of six adolescent males with a mild thoracic scoliosis of unknown etiology and a marked limitation of neck flexion are reported. All six complained of mild thoracic spine pain and were 13-17 years old at the onset of their symptoms. In addition to the thoracic scoliosis, all were found to have a marked limitation of neck flexion. They were unable to touch their chest wall with their chin. None had a positive family history of scoliosis. Radiological examination revealed a thoracic scoliosis of 10 degrees-40 degrees, no abnormalities were detected on cervical spine plain radiographs. Extensive investigations, including MRI of the entire spine, failed to disclose the cause of the spinal deformity or the mechanism causing the limitation of neck motion. Apart from the limited cervical flexion and mild pain, this condition was found to be benign and the spine deformity to be mild or moderate in nature and with limited progression. Review of the literature failed to identify similar cases.

The management of unilateral lateral mass/facet fractures of the subaxial cervical spine: the use of magnetic resonance imaging to predict instability.

Retrospective review of the clinical course and cervical spine plain radiographs, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging of 24 consecutive patients for a 2-year period with a unilateral lateral mass/facet fracture. To propose a treatment algorithm for the management of unilateral lateral mass/facet fractures of the subaxial cervical spine based on ligamentous injury detected by magnetic resonance imaging. There have been no previous reports of the use of magnetic resonance imaging to predict clinical instability. A retrospective review of the clinical course of all unilateral mass/facet fractures identified over a 2-year period was conducted. All cervical spine plain radiographs, computed tomography scans, and magnetic resonance images were reviewed by a neuroradiologist blinded to the clinical course of the patient. Magnetic resonance T1-weighted and inversion recovery images were used to evaluate the integrity of the facet region, interspinous ligament, anterior longitudinal ligament, and posterior longitudinal ligament. Twenty-four unilateral lateral mass/facet fractures were identified. Only six initial cervical spine series demonstrated a bony abnormality at the level of the fracture. The fractures were identified by computed tomography and were almost all nondisplaced or minimally displaced. Less than half of the fractures extended ventrally to involve the transverse process or foramen transversarium or dorsally to involve the lamina. Twelve fractures were nonoperatively treated and 12 were treated surgically for stabilization. Ten patients in the operative group presented with or developed a subluxation. Nine of these patients had injury to at least three of the four ligaments evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging. In the nonoperative group, only three patients had extensive ligamentous injury at the level of the fracture. All three of these patients were lost to follow-up. Plain radiographs of the cervical spine lack sensitivity to detect the presence of lateral mass/ facet fractures. The appearance of the fracture on computed tomography does not indicate instability. The degree of ligamentous injury at the level of the fracture demonstrated on magnetic resonance imaging correlates with instability in this series. Operative stabilization may be indicated for unilateral lateral mass fractures that present with a subluxation or that have injury to at least three of the following ligaments: the facet region, the interspinous ligament, the anterior longitudinal ligament, and the posterior longitudinal ligament. However, before a definitive management plan can be formulated, results from this small series require further validation.

Neck flexion and extension in children with Down syndrome: a somatosensory study.

The cervical spine in Down syndrome patients is often lax, at least at radiographic imaging, and the risk of spinal cord embarrassment is increased. This study was performed to obtain information that would help identify patients at risk for this problem and reduce the risk of endotracheal intubation and other surgical procedures in patients with Down syndrome. Somatosensory evoked potential studies were performed in 15 consecutive children who were undergoing elective otolaryngic surgery. None had neurologic symptoms or the physical examination finding of cervical spinal cord embarrassment, and their cervical spines were considered normal by plain radiographs obtained in the neutral, flexed, and extended positions. No significant change in latency (P = .16) or amplitude (P = .19) was found when the anesthetized children had their necks placed in either full flexion or full extension. With more than 90% certainty, the authors believe that children with Down syndrome who have "normal" plain cervical spine radiographs are exposed to no extra risks from neck flexion or extension during surgery.