Cervical Spine

The transverse foramen is a key anatomical feature of cervical vertebrae. Which structure passes through this foramen?

A patient has weakness in elbow extension. Which spinal nerve root is MOST likely affected?

Following a motor vehicle accident, a patient exhibits loss of pain and temperature sensation on the right side of the body and loss of motor function on the left side. Which spinal cord syndrome is MOST likely?

A patient presents with burning pain between the shoulder blades after a fall. Radiographic evaluation reveals an avulsion fracture of the spinous process. This injury is MOST consistent with which type of fracture?

Which imaging modality is typically the INITIAL study of choice for evaluating cervical spine injuries in a trauma setting?

A patient involved in a high-speed collision presents with neck pain and neurological deficits. Imaging reveals a fracture through the pedicles of C2. Which type of fracture is MOST likely?

You are reviewing a lateral cervical spine radiograph, and you are unable to visualize the C7-T1 interspace. What additional view would be MOST helpful?

Which of the following radiographic signs is MOST indicative of cervical spine instability?

What is the MOST common mechanism of injury associated with a flexion teardrop fracture?

Compression of the spinal cord as a result of cervical vertebrae fracture is MOST likely to cause which sequela?

According to the cervical spine dermatome map, what region of the body is innervated by C2?

What is the MOST appropriate next step in management for a patient with a suspected cervical spine injury and a negative X-ray, but high clinical suspicion?

Which ligament is MOST commonly disrupted in a bilateral facet joint dislocation of the cervical spine?

What is the PRIMARY indication for myelography in the evaluation of cervical spine disorders?

A lateral cervical spine radiograph shows anterior displacement of a vertebra with a 'step-off' appearance. How much displacement is GENERALLY considered unstable?

Which of these structures is located at the level of the C6 vertebra?

What radiographic finding is MOST suggestive of a Jefferson fracture?

According to the vertebral column model for instability, disruption of what number of columns is required for instability?

What view should be obtained to evaluate an odontoid fracture?

What percentage of cervical spine fractures can be seen using X-ray?

Which of the following statements BEST describes the anatomical relationship of the vertebral artery to the cervical vertebrae?

Which of the following imaging findings is MOST suggestive of a ligamentous injury in the cervical spine?

A patient exhibits loss of pain and temperature sensation while retaining proprioception and light touch. Where is the lesion MOST likely located in the spinal cord?

Regarding cervical spine injuries, what are the 3 types of cervical dislocations?

What is the MOST common cause of spinal injuries?

The vertebral artery (VA) typically arises from the subclavian artery. At what level does it begin its ascent through the transverse foramina?

A patient with known rheumatoid arthritis (RA) presents with progressive neck pain, signs of upper motor neuron dysfunction, and urinary incontinence. Which condition is MOST likely?

Which imaging finding would be expected in a patient diagnosed with spondylosis?

A patient with a cervical spine injury shows disruption of anterior longitudinal ligament, intervertebral disc, and posterior ligaments. This is MOST consistent with which of injuries?

Which of the following statements BEST describes a Type II odontoid fracture, according to the modified Anderson and D’Alonzo classification?

A patient presents with a spinal cord injury caused by a stab wound. The patient has ipsilateral motor weakness and contralateral loss of pain and temperature sensation. What condition is MOST likely?

What portion of the spinal cord is affected in Posterior Cord Syndrome?

What radiographic finding indicates bilateral interfacetal dislocation?

What is the MOST likely initial imaging modality used to view osteomyelitis?

After a severe motor vehicle accident, a patient is diagnosed with Atlantooccipital Dislocation resulting in complete transection of the cord. Which physical exam findings, if present, would be MOST discordant with this diagnosis?

The term anterolisthesis refers to which condition affecting the cervical spine?

What anatomical structure CANNOT be evaluated using Lateral View without Swimmer's View?

Which definition BEST describes spondylolisthesis?

A patient with a suspected burst fracture would likely also test positive for:

A swimmer presents with neck dislocation to the ED. The patient says he dove into a shallow pool. What unstable fracture could he have?

Complete the following statement. Cord injuries usually occur at time of facture, but will develop later because of instability.

In a patient status post cervical fusion, a radiograph reveals collapse of the spine above the fusion plate, causing an abnormal curvature. What condition is MOST likely?

Which of the following topographic landmarks corresponds to the level of the C6 vertebra?

Where would a patient MOST likely experience sensory deficits based on the C3 dermatome?

Which of the following muscles would be affected MOST by damage to the C5 myotome?

What structure is formed when the vertebral arteries enter the cranium?

When evaluating a lateral cervical spine X-ray, what is the MOST important reason for ensuring visualization from the occiput to T1?

Which of the following statements BEST describes the use of MRI in the context of cervical spine imaging?

What is a radiographic finding suggestive of ligamentous instability in the cervical spine?

A lateral C-spine radiograph reveals a questionable finding at the C7-T1 junction. What supplementary view would help visualize this area?

In the assessment of cervical spine alignment on lateral radiograph, which anatomical line is considered MOST reliable for identifying subluxation or dislocation?

An imaging report describes 'anterolisthesis' of C4 on C5. What is the MOST accurate interpretation of this finding?

Which statement accurately represents the typical radiographic characteristics of a Type II odontoid fracture based on the modified Anderson and D’Alonzo classification?

Following a motor vehicle accident, a patient is diagnosed with a fracture involving the anterior and posterior arches of C1. Which of the following fracture patterns is MOST consistent with this presentation?

What mechanism of injury is MOST likely to result in a flexion teardrop fracture of the cervical spine?

A patient presents to the emergency department after a motor vehicle accident. Imaging reveals a fracture of the cervical spine at C2 with bilateral fractures of the pedicles. What type of fracture is MOST likely?

A patient is diagnosed with spondylosis. What underlying condition is MOST commonly associated with this diagnosis?

What mechanism is MOST likely to result in bilateral facet joint dislocation?

A patient presents with a cervical spine injury caused by a motor vehicle accident, resulting in anterior displacement of a vertebra greater than 50% of the vertebral body. Which injury is MOST likely present?

What is the MOST common cause of spinal cord injuries in the context of cervical spine trauma?

A patient is diagnosed with unilateral interfacetal dislocation. On imaging, what key finding would be expected?

In a patient with suspected cervical spine trauma, which of the following findings on a lateral cervical spine radiograph would be MOST concerning for prevertebral soft tissue swelling?

Which is the BEST next step when a fracture is suspected based on a C-spine X-ray?

What condition occurs when the vertebrae move forward due to a defect in the pars interarticularis?

After a cervical spine injury, a patient exhibits greater motor weakness in the upper extremities compared to the lower extremities, along with variable sensory loss and bladder dysfunction. Which spinal cord syndrome is MOST likely?

Following a motor vehicle collision, a patient is diagnosed with atlantooccipital dislocation with complete transection of the cord. Which of the following physical exam findings would be MOST consistent with this diagnosis?

A young male presents with a neck injury sustained during a wrestling match. Imaging reveals a 50% anteroposition of C3 on C4 and complete disruption of the posterior complex. Which of the following injuries is MOST likely?

Avulsion of a piece of the anteroinferior body of C2 in what type of Stable fracture?

Which view would be MOST helpful for assessing a clay-shoveler's fracture?

If a lateral x-ray shows clay shovelers at C6 what could be found on the lower part of the fracture C7?

A patient presents with loss of pain and temperature sensation beginning several segments below the level of a spinal cord lesion, while proprioception and light touch are preserved. Where is the lesion MOST likely located?

Which factor is LEAST likely to help determine instability?

There is disruption or injury on all three columns, anterior, middle, and posterior, causing an S-shaped deformity. What type of fracture is this?

What is a good initial image to view for diskitis versus osteomyelitis?

Hyperextension has a tear drop at which level is this likely at?

What type of imaging or fluoroscopy determines instability?

A patient presents with an extension injury: and avulsion. Where does it insert into or through?

When a person hyperextends what part of the tissue is damaged

Following a diving accident, a 21-year-old male is diagnosed with a flexion teardrop fracture at C5-C6. Besides spinal cord compression, which additional finding is MOST characteristic?

On an open mouth odontoid view, you notice an Atlas(c1) fracture. The Atlas's lateral masses have slipped sideways and are therefore no longer flush. Which massive feet are slipping open?

What two parameters with their numerical values when greater, are concerning for the diagnosis of occipitocervical dissociation is fairly certain?

A 15-year-old presents to the ED after a MVA. When should one expect a 15 % with cord injuries after their fracture, to get cord injuries at a later state?

In cervical spine imaging, which modality is typically the BEST choice for evaluating ligamentous injuries?

Which of the following is a STABLE cervical spine fracture?

According to the three-column model of spinal stability, disruption of how many columns is GENERALLY considered unstable?

In a patient with suspected cervical spine trauma, what measurement of prevertebral soft tissue swelling at C3 is generally considered the upper limit of normal?

What imaging view is OPTIMALLY used to visualize a clay shoveler fracture?

A patient presents with an acute spinal cord injury resulting in complete loss of motor, sensory, and autonomic function below the level of the lesion. Which of the following is the MOST likely diagnosis?

What is a frequent finding in a patient with an extension teardrop fracture affecting the anterior longitudinal ligament at C2?

What type of injury causes the shear force of mucles in the neck that tear off bones of spine?

What is the BEST description for someone with signs of pain and sensory loss in the setting of injury?

A 70-year-old presents to the emergency department after a fall. On examination, the patient exhibits upper extremity weakness that is MORE pronounced than lower extremity weakness, along with sensory deficits. Which of the following spinal cord syndromes is MOST likely?

Why is visualization from the occiput to T1 so important with lateral C-spine x-rays?

A patient is diagnosed with a Type II odontoid fracture, after a fall. What statement about this fracture of their odontoid is MOST accurate?

Select the MOST accurate statement in describing Atlantooccipital Dislocation:

In the context of cervical spine imaging, what is the PRIMARY indication for myelography?

What is the BEST next step for a patient who is post MVA and has neck pain and deformity, but the vertebral space cannot be seen?

Following a high impact motor vehicle accident (MVA) a patient has no sensation, B/L hemiparesis, saddle anesthesia, and B/B incontinence. What is the MOST likely injury?

In radiology, what does spondylosis refer to, in its core definition?

After a trauma, it is determined that a patient has Basion Axial Interval (BAI) and Basion Posterior Interval are measured at >12 mm. What is their diagnosis?

Which topographic landmark corresponds to the approximate level of the hyoid cartilage in the cervical spine?

A patient presents with weakness in wrist extension. Which cervical myotome is MOST likely affected?

Based on dermatome mapping, sensory deficits in the posterior half of the skull cap are MOST likely associated with which cervical nerve root?

In a lateral cervical spine radiograph, which anatomical structure of a typical cervical vertebra is BEST visualized in profile?

What is the maximum prevertebral soft tissue swelling measurement at the C3 level that is generally considered within normal limits on a lateral cervical spine radiograph in an adult?

The vertebral artery typically enters the transverse foramen at which cervical vertebral level?

Which ligament is critical for the stability of the atlanto-axial joint and prevents anterior translation of the atlas on the axis?

Motor vehicle accidents are the MOST common cause of spinal injuries. Which cervical level is MOST frequently involved in blunt trauma?

According to the three-column model of spinal stability, which combination of column injuries would MOST likely indicate an unstable cervical spine fracture?

A patient with suspected cervical spine injury has a negative initial X-ray but persistent neck pain and high clinical suspicion for injury. What is the MOST appropriate next step in imaging?

Which imaging modality is BEST for evaluating ligamentous injuries, spinal cord compression, and soft tissue abnormalities in the cervical spine?

Which radiographic view is specifically designed to visualize the C7-T1 junction when it is not adequately seen on a standard lateral cervical spine radiograph?

On a lateral cervical spine radiograph, what finding is MOST suggestive of ligamentous instability?

What is the PRIMARY indication for myelography in the current evaluation of cervical spine disorders?

In the modified Anderson and D’Alonzo classification, a Type II odontoid fracture is BEST described as a fracture through which anatomical location?

Which mechanism of injury is MOST commonly associated with a flexion teardrop fracture of the cervical spine?

A Jefferson fracture is characterized by fractures of which part of the C1 vertebra?

Which radiographic view is OPTIMAL for assessing an odontoid fracture?

In a patient diagnosed with spondylosis, which imaging finding would be MOST expected?

Which condition is BEST described as the forward slippage of one vertebra on another, often due to a pars interarticularis defect?

A clay-shoveler's fracture is an avulsion fracture of which part of the cervical vertebra?

Bilateral interfacetal dislocation of the cervical spine is MOST commonly caused by which mechanism of injury?

In unilateral interfacetal dislocation, what percentage of anterior vertebral body displacement, compared to the vertebra below, is typically observed?

Which physical exam finding would be MOST discordant with a diagnosis of complete transection of the spinal cord at the atlantooccipital junction?

Central cord syndrome is MOST often associated with which mechanism of injury in the cervical spine?

Which spinal cord syndrome is characterized by ipsilateral motor weakness and contralateral loss of pain and temperature sensation?

In anterior cord syndrome, which sensory functions are typically preserved?

Posterior cord syndrome primarily affects which sensory modality?

What is the term used to describe the posterior displacement of a vertebra in relation to the vertebra below?

Which imaging modality is generally considered the initial study of choice for suspected osteomyelitis of the cervical spine?

In cervical spine trauma, cord injuries most frequently occur at the time of fracture, but what percentage of patients may develop cord injuries later due to instability?

What is the typical radiographic finding suggestive of a Jefferson fracture on an open-mouth odontoid view?

In evaluating cervical spine alignment on a lateral radiograph, which imaginary line is considered MOST reliable for detecting subluxation or dislocation?

What is the SIGNIFICANCE of visualizing from the occiput to T1 on a lateral cervical spine X-ray?

Which type of unstable cervical fracture is characterized by a bilateral fracture of the pedicles of C2?

An extension teardrop fracture MOST commonly involves avulsion of a piece of bone from which aspect of the vertebral body?

Following a cervical spine injury, a patient exhibits motor weakness more pronounced in the upper extremities than the lower extremities. This pattern of weakness is MOST characteristic of which spinal cord syndrome?

In atlantooccipital dislocation, measurement of the Basion-Axial Interval (BAI) and Basion-Posterior Interval greater than what value is highly concerning for occipitocervical dissociation?

In a patient with rheumatoid arthritis presenting with progressive neck pain and upper motor neuron signs, which condition is MOST likely?

A patient presents with neck pain and is found to have a Jefferson fracture. What mechanism of injury is MOST likely?

If a patient is diagnosed with a C5 myotome injury, which physical exam finding would be expected?

A patient presents with a spinal cord injury that resulted in damage to the anterior portion of the cord, but spared the posterior portion. What sensory function will MOST likely remain intact?

A patient is suspected of having a cervical spine injury. After initial X-rays are inconclusive, the physician suspects a ligamentous injury. Which imaging modality is BEST for confirming this suspicion?

Following a cervical spine injury, a patient exhibits loss of pain and temperature sensation a few levels below the lesion, while proprioception and light touch are preserved. Where is the lesion MOST likely located?

A patient presents with a known history of rheumatoid arthritis and progressive neck pain. What cervical spine condition should be suspected?

According to the three-column model of spinal stability, what combination of column injuries would indicate an unstable cervical spine fracture?

A patient presents with a suspected cervical spine injury after a motor vehicle accident. Initial lateral cervical spine radiograph does not fully visualize the C7-T1 junction. What additional view would BEST visualize this area?

A 25-year-old male is brought to the emergency department after a diving accident. Imaging reveals a fracture at C5-C6 with an avulsed fragment from the anteroinferior aspect of C6 and posterior displacement of vertebral body. Which fracture is MOST likely?

A patient presents with a lateral cervical spine radiograph demonstrating anterior displacement of C4 on C5. How much displacement is GENERALLY considered unstable?

What anatomical landmark corresponds to the level of the C6 vertebra?

Upon reviewing a lateral cervical spine X-ray, the physician notes an abnormal curvature and collapse of the spine above the fusion plate. What condition is MOST likely?

When reading a lateral C-spine X-ray, why is it MOST important to ensure visualization of the spine from the occiput to T1?

A patient diving into a shallow pool sustains a hyperextension injury, resulting in a unique avulsion fracture affecting the anterior longitudinal ligament. Which injury is MOST consistent with this description?

What percentage of cervical spine fractures are detected on examination using X-ray?

Which imaging modality is BEST at evaluating bone fragments in the setting of a cervical fracture?

On an open mouth odontoid view, you notice an Atlas(c1) fracture. The Atlas's lateral masses have slipped sideways and are therefore no longer flush. What is this fracture known as?

Hyperextension will damage what part of the cervical column?

In the context of cervical spine trauma, what is the MOST common cause of spinal cord injuries?

Following cervical fusion, a patient develops progressive neck pain and neurological deficits. Imaging reveals compression of the spinal cord due to structural failure above the level of fusion. Which subsequent condition would you likely observe?

What is the range (mm) of prevertebral soft tissue swelling indicating a soft tissue injury or hematoma at C3

A patient presents with a complete transection of the spinal cord. What type of injury MOST likely caused this?

A patient is diagnosed with a Type II odontoid fracture based. What is the PRIMARY concern with this fracture type?

There is a disruption or injury on all three columns, anterior, middle, and posterior, causing an S-shaped deformity. What type of fracture MOST likely caused this?

Which of the following is MOST important in order to determine the amount of instability with a cervical fracture?

What structure does ALL insert to, avulsing with hyperextension and bringing the corner with it?

A patient exhibits sensory deficits specifically in the posterior half of the skull cap. Based on dermatome mapping, which cervical nerve root is MOST likely involved?

A 15 y/o presents to the ED post MVA. How long could a patient remain without cord injuries after their fracture?

According to Anderson and D'Alonzo, what is the location of a Type III odontoid fracture?

What is the treatment indicated for an unstable spine.

All traumas will have _________.

When looking at a C-spine X-ray the doctor finds a clay shoveler's fracture at C6. Where else could the fracture be found?

What are the two imaging tools that give the MOST accurate view of a clay shoveler fracture?

Flexion injury at the C5-C6 junction presents with disruption of all ligaments and the disc at C5-C6. A fragment of the anteriorinferior portion of vertebral body is broken off with posterior displacement of the vertebra and anterior spinal cord compression. This is MOST likely what type of unstable fracture?

MRI imaging is used to evaluate and treat ______.

A patient presents with a C-Sp fx. The trauma includes Blunt trauma and MVAs. Which site is MOST involved?

A patient presence to the clinic with an anteriorly displaced vertebrae. What is this?

A patient has damage to their dorsal column. What exam finding would the doctor be MOST likely to see correlated to?

Following a motor vehicle accident, a patient presents with neck pain. Radiographic imaging reveals a fracture involving both the anterior and posterior arches of C1. Which additional finding would MOST likely confirm a Jefferson fracture associated with transverse ligament rupture?

A patient complains of burning “knife-like” pain in the upper shoulder blades following a fall. Radiographs reveal an avulsion fracture of a spinous process in the lower cervical spine. This presentation is MOST consistent with which type of fracture?

A patient involved in a high-speed MVA is diagnosed with an unstable cervical spine fracture. According to the three-column model of spinal stability, which combination of disrupted columns would MOST indicate instability?

A patient presents to the emergency department following a diving accident. Imaging reveals a fracture at C5-C6 with a fragment avulsed from the anteroinferior aspect of C6, along with posterior displacement of the vertebral body. This injury is MOST consistent with which type of unstable fracture?

What is the BEST initial imaging if osteomyelitis is suspected?

A patient presents with pain and sensory loss in the setting of injury. What condition is the BEST description?

When evaluating a lateral cervical spine X-ray, why is visualizing the spine from the occiput to T1 so important?

A patient involved in a motor vehicle accident presents with neck pain and neurological deficits. Imaging reveals a fracture through the pedicles of C2. What finding supports the diagnosis of traumatic spondylolisthesis of C2, or Hangman's fracture, Type III?

A 70-year-old patient presents with upper extremity motor weakness that is MORE pronounced than lower extremity weakness along with variable sensory loss and bladder dysfunction. What part of the spinal cord is MOST likely affected?

A patient presents to the emergency department after a motor vehicle accident. The patient exhibits complete loss of motor and sensory function below the level of injury, with no preservation of sacral sparing. Which of the following spinal cord syndromes is MOST likely?

In a patient with suspected cervical spine trauma, a lateral cervical spine radiograph reveals significant prevertebral soft tissue swelling at the C3 level. What measurement would support a soft tissue injury or hematoma?

A known IV drug user presents with new onset neck pain, fever, and progressive neurological deficits. Which imaging modality is BEST for evaluating the possibility of osteomyelitis?

According to dermatome mapping, sensory deficits in the "high turtle neck" region of the anterior neck are MOST likely associated with which cervical nerve root?

Flexion injuries are the MOST common cause of all conditions EXCEPT:

A patient is diagnosed with Atlantoaxial Dislocation secondary to Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). Which clinical feature is MOST likely observed?

After being involved in all trauma, the FIRST THING you will always have is?

Following a motor vehicle collision, a patient shows ipsilateral voluntary motor(UMN), vibration and proprioception deficits, and contralateral sensory deficits, pain and temperature deficits. What spinal cord syndrome would this indicate?

A patient with severe neck pain is suspected to have a spinal injury. Due to other injuries and a head injury they are unable to be accurately examined through the course of diagnostics. What would this be referred as?

In the context of a cervical spine injury, at what level is the Vertebral artery is MOST prone to dissection or occlusion?

If the vertebrae are anteriorly displaced, what is your primary concern?