Distraction Injuries at C1-2 and C6-7

Findings:

Axial images through the lower cervical spine demonstrate absence of cervical spine bone structure on several contiguous images, which indicates a significant distraction injury. The sagittal multiplanar reconstructions confirm a marked distraction injury centered at the C6-C7 disk space level. The C1 ring is also markedly high riding with respect to the C2 body with marked widening of the bilateral atlantoaxial joints which indicates a significant distraction injury at C1-2.

Discussion:
 
This case illustrates the importance of reviewing reconstructed images in sagittal and coronal planes before making a decision regarding the presence of cervical spine injury.

 

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