C-spine, Throat, Head

atlas

C1 is called the

axis

C2 is called the

SCM, base of mandible, trachea

name the borders of the anterior triangles of the neck

carotid artery and veins

what is the significance of the anterior triangle of the neck

SCM, clavicle, upper trapezius

name the borders of the posterior triangle of the neck

in the posterior triangle

where is erb’s point

brachial plexus, injured through direct blow or stretch

what is the significance of erb’s point

Jefferson’s fracture

burst fracture in 4 spots of C1 pedicles, typically from an axial load through the skull (diving in a pool)

Hangman’s fracture

C2 fracture, first described in discovering cervical fractured from a noose

Dens/odontoid fracture

fracture of the dens of C2, from rapid hyperextension

cervical dislocation

2nd to 3rd vertebrae dislocate, feeling of head falling off shoulders

whiplash

not related to fractures, a rapid forced hyperextension or hyperflexion that causes a muscle spasm or sprain/strain, often in the scalene muscles

scalenes

what muscles are typically involved in a whiplash injury

brachial plexus neurapraxia

nerve injury that occurs from rapid stretching of ligaments and nerves around C5-T1

thoracic outlet syndrome

pathway of brachial plexus and subclavian artery are compressed in one of three ways: tight scalene muscles, cervical rib, tight pectoralis muscle

>65 years old, dangerous mechanisms, paresthesia in extremities

list the high risk factors in the Canadian C-spine rules where you would send someone to radiography