A C-spine injury refers to any injury that affects the cervical portion of the spinal column. This can range from minor soft tissue damage to more severe injuries such as vertebral fractures and spinal cord injury.

Aetiology

C-spine injuries typically result from high-energy trauma. Major risk factors include:

• Motor vehicle collisions
• Falls from height
• Diving accidents
• Sports-related injuries, particularly contact sports and high-velocity sports
• Direct impact to the head or neck
• Acts of violence such as gunshot wounds or stabbings

PC

• Neck pain
• Decreased range of motion in the neck
• Focal neurological deficits, such as weakness or numbness in the arms or legs
• Signs of spinal shock, including flaccid paralysis and loss of bowel or bladder control

Differential Diagnosis

The differential diagnosis for C-spine injury is broad and includes:

• Whiplash injury: This usually presents with neck pain and stiffness, headache, and sometimes dizziness and memory issues.
• Thoracic or lumbar spine injury: These patients may present with back pain, numbness, weakness, or paralysis in the limbs.