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Hyperextension Dislocation Injury


- Discussion:
    - hyperextension dislocation type of injury of Cervical Spine may be assoc w/ marked neurologic deficit - esp Central Cord Syndrome;
    - cervical cord is compressed between posteriorly dislocated vertebral body and the posterior longitudinal ligament, & posterior 
          elements and ligamentum flavum;
- Radiographs:
    - combination of prevertebral soft tissue swelling in association w/ normal alignment of C-spine suggests hyperextension dislocation;
    - contralateral facet subluxation & anterolisthesis suggest hyperextension frx dislocation;
    - may see avulsion frag from antero-inferior end plate of dislocated body;
    - transverse diameter of the fragment typically is > vertical ht;
    - vacum disc or widening of the intervertebral disc space;
    - unilateral articular mass frx are seen on AP film as disruption of undulating lataeral margin;
    - lateral film:
         - as disruption of Facet Joint;
    - oblique film:
         - facet frx lines as well as facet disarticulation


Hyperextension-dislocation of the cervical spine. Ligament injuries demonstrated by magnetic resonance imaging.