Lateral flexion/extension radiographs: still recommended following cervical spinal injury

We present the case of a patient who sustained a cervical spinal injury and subsequent transient quadriplegia with full recovery from the spinal cord concussion. Initial plain X-ray films and magnetic resonance imaging did not show any pathological findings, but lateral radiographs in flexion and extension performed 10 days later revealed a fracture of the C4 spinous process without ligamentous instability, confirming significant injury to the cervical spine.