Triple and quadruple images in scan of fractures of the articular processes of the lower cervical spine
De Peretti, F.; Cambas, P.M.; Eude, P.; Ghabris, A.; Aboulker, C.; Argenson, C.
Journal de Radiologie 75(11): 597-602
1994
ISSN/ISBN: 0221-0363 PMID: 7844777 Document Number: 430657
The authors describe the triple and quadruple image aspects of the articular pillar, which are encountered respectively in one-sided uni- and biarticular fractures of the lower cervical spine, and they have analysed these images' specificity from a retrospective study. This study concerned 52 cases out of a group of 220 patients hospitalised between 1979 and 1992, with an injury of the lower cervical spine and who underwent a CT-scan examination in addition to the conventional radiographic check-up. Among a total of 70 lesions, 14 uniarticular and 4 biarticular one-sided fractures were recorded. All presented these characteristic aspects, formed by the separated fragment of the articular process; the unseparated component of the process and, concerning the triple image the intact process, or concerning the quadruple image the fragments of the second fractured process. An only case of a transisthmian fracture associated with a fracture of the lower articular process showed a similar aspect, which underlines the high specificity of these images.