Clay-shoveler fracture

Medical condition
Clay-shoveler fracture
C7 spinous process.
SpecialtyNeurosurgery

Clay-shoveler's fracture is a stable fracture through the spinous process of a vertebra occurring at any of the lower cervical or upper thoracic vertebrae, classically at C6 or C7.[1] In Australia in the 1930s, men digging deep ditches tossed clay 10 to 15 feet above their heads using long handled shovels.[2] Instead of separating, the sticky clay would sometimes stick to the shovel. At the top of the arc of motion, with the arms extended, the worker may hear a pop and feel a sudden pain between the shoulder blades, unable to continue working.[3][4]

References

  1. ^ Brant, W.E.; Helms, C.A. (2007). Fundamentals of Diagnostic Radiology. Solution : radiology. Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins. p. 1110. ISBN 978-0-7817-6135-2. Retrieved 2024-08-10.
  2. ^ McKellar Hall RD (1940). "Clay-Shoveler's Fracture". J Bone Joint Surg Am. 22: 36–75.
  3. ^ Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR, William C. "What Is a Clay-Shoveler's Fracture?". MedicineNet. Retrieved 17 June 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  4. ^ Posthuma de Boer, Jantine; van Wulfften Palthe, Alexander F. Y.; Stadhouder, Agnita; Bloemers, Frank W. (September 2016). "The Clay Shoveler's Fracture: A Case Report and Review of the Literature". The Journal of Emergency Medicine. 51 (3): 292–297. doi:10.1016/j.jemermed.2016.03.020. ISSN 0736-4679. PMID 27262733. Retrieved 17 June 2021.


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Fractures and cartilage damage
General
  • Avulsion fracture
  • Chalkstick fracture
  • Greenstick fracture
  • Open fracture
  • Pathologic fracture
  • Spiral fracture
Head
Spinal fractureRibsShoulder fractureArm fracture
Humerus fracture:
Forearm fracture:
Hand fracturePelvic fractureLeg
Tibia fracture:
Fibular fracture:
Combined tibia and fibula fracture:
Crus fracture:
Femoral fracture:
Foot fracture