[Criteria for evaluating fractures and luxations of the upper cervical vertebrae using conventional x-ray technics]

To assess the diagnostic value of conventional x-ray examination in fresh injuries of the cervical vertebral column, 57 cases of dislocation or fracture of the cervical vertebral column were evaluated. This study revealed the special value of conventional tomography of the cervical vertebral column in vertebral body fractures without essential dislocation of fragments or without disturbing the frame structure of the vertebral bodies. Conventional tomography will always reveal in case of dislocation the exact relative positions of the disjointed articulate areas, whereas in dislocation fractures it is also possible to identify additional fractures in the vertebral arch and articular process areas, even if the x-ray film or plain radiography merely shows a defective position. The individual diagnostic criteria of fracture and dislocation of the upper cervical vertebral column are examined in respect of their diagnostic value.