Obscured Cervicothoracic Junction with Anterolisthesis
Lana M. Rivers
Daniel B. Nissman
CLINICAL HISTORY
Patient in high-force MVA trauma with neck pain, limited mobility, and upper extremity tingling and weakness.
FINDINGS
Lateral radiograph of the cervical spine demonstrates incomplete visualization of the cervical spine, only to approximately the superior endplate of C6 (Fig. 48A). Lateral radiograph of the cervical spine with improved visualization to the superior endplate of C7 (Fig. 48B) demonstrates marked anterolisthesis of C6 on C7 as well as an anteriorly dislocated facet joint. Lateral radiographic view of the cervical spine in another patient with visualization only to the inferior endplate of C6 (Fig. 48C) reveals a perched facet at this level (long arrow) and C6 spinous process fracture (short arrow). Anterolisthesis of C6 on C7 as well as focal kyphosis is better appreciated on CT (Fig. 48D). Additional
findings seen on CT are a C7 anterosuperior endplate fracture, narrowing of the C6/C7 disk space, and splaying of the C6 and C7 spinous processes.
findings seen on CT are a C7 anterosuperior endplate fracture, narrowing of the C6/C7 disk space, and splaying of the C6 and C7 spinous processes.