Multiple cervical spinous process fracture (clay shoveler fracture): Case report

Abstract

Clay-Shoveler's is fracture of one or more spinous processes to include lower cervical or upper thoracic vertebrae. In this article, it was aimed to investigate possible mechanisms of Clay-Shoveler's fracture and share radiological results of q case of 11 years (2003) follow-up after the traffic accident. A 25-year-old male patient complained of neck pain spreading to both shoulders, and there was an in-car traffic accident two weeks ago. Patient's motion restriction was 50% for active flexion, lateral flexion and rotation, and 20% for active extension movement. Imaging revealed a minimal inferior displaced avulsion fracture in C6, C7 and T1 vertebra spinous processes. Patient returned to daily activities in 3rd month after immobilization with medical treatment and neck collar. Clay-Shoveler's fracture is most commonly seen in T1, then C7, T2, T3 and C6. Surgical treatment is not planned because patient has no limitation of neck movements and neck pain which responds to medical treatment.