Pathological burst fracture in the cervical spine with negative red flags: a 12-year follow-up

In 2004, a 61-year-old male presented to a chiropractic clinic complaining of neck pain after hearing a 'crunch' when getting out of bed that morning. The initial history intake and physical examination identified no red flags or indications for the patient's pain, with the exception of traction being pain-provoking. Conventional radiographs were ordered, which identified a pathological burst fracture of the fourth cervical vertebra. This Imaging Case Review (ICR) is to provide clinicians with a follow-up to the patient's care and current state.