Monday, April 21, 2008

Clay Shoveler's Fracture





The Clay Shoveler's fracture is not a frequent fracture. It is a fracture most common in the lower cervical spine and common fracture near the spinous process. It's most common spine fractures include C6, C7, and T1 and is caused by sudden exertions or extensions of the spine. For this reason, it is most common in labors who do sudden movements with weight. The name originates from clay workers who shoveled clay and had this injury. This fracture results from hyperflexion and is noted to be an injury from snow shoveling. The muscles' force it was actually pulls the bone from the spine.




This fracture is usually determined with an x-ray. Surgery is usually not required and treatment is pretty simple. Many times the patient will just have to wear a neck brace for a given period of time. Full recovery is usually expected.



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