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Updated: Aug 17, 2026

Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion in the Ovine Model
Published on: October 5, 2009
Is there an association between fractures of the cervical spine and first- and second-rib fractures?
1Department of Radiology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS. mlogan@beaumont.ie
Objective:
To investigate a potential association between cervical spine injury and first- and second-rib fractures.
Methods:
Retrospective review of the radiologic and medical records of 28 consecutive patients admitted to an acute spinal injury unit.
Results:
A total of 10 (36%) of the patients with cervical spine trauma also had fractures of either the first or second ribs. Eight of these 10 patients had a fracture or fracture-subluxation of the seventh cervical vertebra or the C6/7 segment.
Conclusion:
Almost one-third of patients with traumatic cervical spine injury have an associated upper-rib fracture. The strongest association is between injury at the C7 level and first-rib fracture.
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Assessment:
1. Clinical Evaluation:
History:

