Background
Elderly patients may sustain upper cervical spine injury without
neurological symptoms or radiographic evidence of fracture.
Objective
This review discusses the prevalence and presentations of upper
cervical spine injury in the elderly, and the use of imaging in the
evaluation of such injuries.
Discussion
Typically, upper cervical spine injuries are caused by hyperextension
in patients with degenerative changes of the senescent spine.
Multiplanar imaging of the cervical spine in elderly patients with
persistent post-traumatic head and neck symptoms, even after
seemingly minor trauma, is decisive.
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