Various methods are used for measuring cervical instability on Xray films. The ring expands and loses alignment with the adjacent occipital bone above, and C2 below. Cervical spondylosis is one of the most common causes of cervical instability. Injury to C1(atlas) results in loss of integrity of its ring structure. This page describes typical appearances of some common C-spine fractures. Diagnosis involves a detailed neurological exam and imaging ( x-ray, CT, etc). Fractures may be stable or, if there is a risk of damage to the spinal cord, unstable. Bones - Cortical outline/Vertebral body heightĬervical spine injuries often have characteristics which depend on the mechanism of injury. Vertebral fractures can be caused by direct or indirect trauma and are more likely to occur in patients with decreased bone density ( osteoporosis, osseous metastases ).Radiologists who read the x-rays and MRIs emphasize the lower cervical vertebrae and discs in their readings, often not even commenting on the upper two cervical vertebrae. Static x-ray and MRI analyses often do not show upper cervical pathology. Alignment - Anterior/Posterior/Spinolaminar Medical doctors are not trained to evaluate the upper cervical spine.Look at all views available in a systematic manner.Clinical considerations are of particular importance when assessing appearances of C-spine X-rays.Normal C-spine X-rays do not exclude significant injury.

Unstable cervical spine x rays