Clay-shoveler fracture explained
Clay-shoveler's fracture is a stable fracture through the spinous process of a vertebra occurring at any of the lower cervical or upper thoracic vertebrae, classically at C6 or C7.[1] In Australia in the 1930s, men digging deep ditches tossed clay 10 to 15 feet above their heads using long handled shovels.[2] Instead of separating, the sticky clay would sometimes stick to the shovel. At the top of the arc of motion, with the arms extended, the worker may hear a pop and feel a sudden pain between the shoulder blades, unable to continue working.[3] [4]
Notes and References
- Book: Brant, W.E. . Helms . C.A. . Fundamentals of Diagnostic Radiology . Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins . Solution : radiology . 2007 . 978-0-7817-6135-2 . 2024-08-10 . 1110.
- McKellar Hall RD . Clay-Shoveler's Fracture . J Bone Joint Surg Am . 22 . 36–75 . 1940 .
- Web site: Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR . William C. . What Is a Clay-Shoveler's Fracture? . MedicineNet . 17 June 2021 . en.
- Posthuma de Boer . Jantine . van Wulfften Palthe . Alexander F. Y. . Stadhouder . Agnita . Bloemers . Frank W. . The Clay Shoveler's Fracture: A Case Report and Review of the Literature . The Journal of Emergency Medicine . September 2016 . 51 . 3 . 292–297 . 10.1016/j.jemermed.2016.03.020 . 27262733 . 17 June 2021 . 0736-4679.
