Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 13, 2026
Treatment with Locking Intramedullary Nailing for Intertrochanteric Fracture of the Femur Utilizing a New Awl with a Distal Positioner
Published on: June 6, 2025
Clay-Shoveler Fracture in a Paddler: A Case Report
Etienne Cornelis Olivier1, Elouise Muller, Dina Christina Janse van Rensburg
1*Section Sports Medicine, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; and †Private practitioner, Pretoria, South Africa.
Abstract:
Clay-shoveler fracture is a fracture of the spinous process of lower cervical and upper thoracic vertebrae. It has only rarely been reported as being caused by an overuse sports injury. This case report describes the first reported clay-shoveler fracture in a paddler. A 51-year-old male paddler, preparing for a paddling adventure over 630 km, felt a click and a sharp pain paravertebrally on the level of the upper thoracic vertebrae while paddling. Sonar investigation did not reveal any muscular injury but computed tomography revealed a fracture of the spinous process of T1. In this case, it is a stress injury due to excessive paddling over a short period of time. This fracture causes debilitating pain in the acute phase and is mainly treated conservatively.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Flail Chest-I
Flail chest is a severe and potentially life-threatening condition characterized by the fracture of three or more adjacent ribs in multiple places. It is most commonly caused by direct impacts and trauma, such as motor vehicle accidents or injuries from a steering wheel impact. It can also occur due to falls in elderly individuals with osteoporosis, or assaults involving sharp objects.
Pathophysiology
The pathophysiology of flail chest is complex, involving fractures of...
01:26Flail Chest-II
Assessment:
1. Clinical Evaluation:
History:
01:27Fractures: Bone Repair
Minor fractures with no bone displacement are treated by immobilizing the fractured bone using a cast or splint. However, in the case of fractures with displaced bones, the broken bones are repositioned before immobilization to ensure successful healing without deformation and loss of function. The realignment of fractured bone ends is performed through a process called reduction. If the...