Cervical spine fusion and the effects of injury.

Congenital or acquired cervical vertebral fusion is sometimes an incidental radiological finding. Such fusions decrease the normal range of spinal movement and predispose to trauma. An analysis of 200 patients with acute cervical spinal cord trauma has been made with reference to pre-existing vertebral fusion and the circumstances of injury. The analysis showed the patients to be particularly predisposed to hyperextension injury and the risk of spinal cord damage from minor trauma. Precautions which should be taken by these patients to avoid spinal injury are suggested.