Boutros Marc, Karam Maria R, Asmar Maria El, Wakim Emmanuelle, Chebli Labib, Tarabay Pierre Maurice Doumit Bader, Roukoz Sami
Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Saint Joseph University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.
Spine Surg Relat Res. 2024 Oct 19;9(1):11-21. doi: 10.22603/ssrr.2024-0164. eCollection 2025 Jan 27.
Clay shoveler's fracture is a stable spinous process fracture commonly occurring at the seventh cervical vertebrae. The name originated in Australia during the 1930s, after many reports of similar injuries among clay workers who suffered fractures due to a sudden flexion force on their neck and back muscles, hence the name "clay shoveler's fracture." This fracture may occur as a consequence of a direct blow/trauma, a contraction of the shoulder muscles, and sudden extreme movements of the neck influenced by additional factors presented throughout the article. Clay shoveler's fracture mechanisms vary among different age groups; Schmitt's disease is the juvenile version. Although this fracture was initially associated with clay shoveling, it occurs in modern-day sports and activities such as paddling, weightlifting, volleyball, Wii gaming, and many more. A rare occurrence, clay shoveler's fracture is frequently misdiagnosed. Hence, many characteristics were pinpointed to help distinguish it from other differential diagnostics. What does a clay shoveler's fracture patient feel? What are the best tools for the physical exam and imaging? These questions will be answered and developed in this article to reach the right diagnosis and correct treatment for the patient.
泥瓦工骨折是一种稳定的棘突骨折，常见于第七颈椎。这个名称起源于20世纪30年代的澳大利亚，当时有许多关于泥瓦工类似损伤的报道，这些工人因颈部和背部肌肉突然受到屈曲力而骨折，因此得名“泥瓦工骨折”。这种骨折可能是直接打击/创伤、肩部肌肉收缩以及本文中提到的其他因素影响下颈部突然剧烈运动的结果。泥瓦工骨折的机制在不同年龄组有所不同；施密特病是其青少年版本。尽管这种骨折最初与铲泥工作有关，但它也发生在现代运动和活动中，如划桨、举重、排球、玩Wii游戏机等等。泥瓦工骨折很少见，经常被误诊。因此，人们确定了许多特征来帮助将其与其他鉴别诊断区分开来。泥瓦工骨折患者会有什么感觉？体格检查和影像学检查的最佳工具是什么？本文将回答并阐述这些问题，以便为患者做出正确的诊断和进行正确的治疗。
