Dr. Ebraheim’s educational animated video describes the condition Clay Shoveler's Fracture, which typically occurs at the level C6 or C7.
Clay shoveler’s fracture is a stable fracture through the spinous process of the vertebra C6T1 and typically occurs at the level of C6 or C7. Clay shoveler’s fracture gets its name from the injury suffered by men digging deep ditches in Australia during the 1930s. Powerful hyperflexion of the neck combined with contraction of the paraspinous muscles during shoveling is the typical mechanism of injury. The tremendous force pulls on the spinous process producing an avulsion fracture.
The fracture is best seen on lateral view xray. There will be ghost sign on AP view xrays (double spinal process of C6 or C7 resulting from displaced fractured spinous process)
Treatment
Stable fractures can be treated nonoperatively utilizing a collar and physical therapy.
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Background music provided as a free download from YouTube Audio Library.
Song Title: Every Step