1. Abstract 1.1. Objective: To discuss the fracture of the spinous process of the lower cervical vertebra and upper thoracic vertebra due to long-term bad posture and bad habits, called Clan-Shoveler's fracture. Methods: To analyze the clinical diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and functional changes of one patient. Results: Combined with medical history, physical examination and imaging examination, the spinous process of the lower cervical vertebra and upper thoracic vertebra were caused by stress. After conservative rehabilitation treatment, the neck pain disappeared and the activity was normal.
1.2. Conclusion: Long-term bad posture and bad habits lead to a rare fracture of the spinous process of the lower cervical vertebra and upper thoracic vertebra
2. Case Male patient, 26 years old, whose main complaint was neck discomfort for more than 10 years, pain for 7 years, and exacerbation for 3 months. No previous history of trauma. The patient explained that he used to hold bad posture and movements of his head during childhood. He often feels that his neck is uncomfortable and the discomfort is located on the back of his neck, especially in the past 7 years. In the past 3 months, the visual analogue scale (VAS) score was 4 points. He often subconsciously take a head-lifting and side-tossed head motion to relieve neck discomfort and pain. The medical staff advised the patient to cease the above-mentioned undesirable actions to avoid aggravating the condition, but the patient did not follow the doctor's instructions. Physical examination: No limb sensation, movement disorders, C7, T1, T2 spinous process tenderness, no spinal tapping pain. CT and MRI of the cervical thoracic segment showed longitudinal fracture lines of C7, T1, and T2 spinous processes, and no obvious callus formation was seen (Figure 1). Reconstruction of cervical spine CT display C7, T1, T2 spinous process fracture D. Sagittal MRI T1-weighted images of the cervical spine show C7, T1, T2 spinous process fractures E Sagittal MRI T2 weighted images of the cervical spine show C7, T1, T2 spinous process fractures Combined with the patient's medical history, physical examination, and imaging examination results, the diagnosis was C7, T1, T2 spinous process stress fracture. First, conservative treatment is given to patients to wear neck circumference to limit their neck movements to relieve pain. In the course of treatment, the focus of the first 4 weeks of exercise is to strengthen the upper body and core muscle groups, while gradually increasing work and study time. At this stage, the patient still has neck muscle spasms and mild pain, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can be applied symptomatically. Subsequently, massage, hot compress, and physical therapy were given for 4 weeks, and the functional exercises of the neck and back muscles were gradually strengthened, and work and learning were gradually increased. From 8 to 12 weeks after treatment, the patient still has discomfort in the lower cervical spine, upper thoracic spine, and paravertebral parts. The rotation and flexion and extension of the neck are not restricted, and he can gradually go back to normal work and study. After the treatment, the patient was instructed to keep strengthening the core muscles. During the treatment, no neurological symptoms appeared. After 2 years of follow-up, there was no discomfort such as pain, and the radiographic review showed the performance of old fractures (Figure 2).
3. Discussion Clay-shoveler's fracture of spinous processes often occurs at C6 ~ T6 levels. Spinous process stress fractures are caused by direct trauma to the posterior neck when the trapezius and rhomboid muscles transmitted by the supraspinous ligament are in the flexed position. This is relatively rare clinically. Spinous process stress fractures have been common among construction workers who have long been engaged in shoveling. With the development of industrial technology, it is rarely caused by shoveling labor or similar work at present, but rather caused mostly by sports training or injury [1-2]. Patients often have rotational movement of the upper spine when they are injured, that is, excessive flexion and extension of the spine [3]. The occurrence of spinous process stress fractures is not limited to any specific exercise. It can occur in horse riding, kayaking, paddle climbing, weight lifting, etc. [2-6]. Fractures caused by repetitive loads and overuse account for about 10% of all sports injuries [1]. Traffic accidents can also sometimes lead to stress fracture of the spinous process. Some patients developed osteoporosis after receiving corticosteroid therapy following kidney transplantation, and subsequently developed acanthosis fracture [7].
4. Summary This case is really due to long-term poor posture leading to neck, shoulder, and back pain, with neck stiffness. The patient did not follow the doctor's advice, but alleviated the neck discomfort through action compensation and wrong action curing. Such a high frequency of repetitive wrong action increases the repetitive shear stress of trapetus and Rhomboid muscles, leading to C7, T1 and, T2 spinous fractures, which are extremely rare. Multisegmental fractures of the spinous process are very rare. Once stress fracture of spinous process occurs, conservative treatment should be taken as soon as possible. Early diagnosis of CT and MRI is helpful to exclude stress fracture and nerve injury of spinous process.
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Gong Huiming. Clay-Shoveler’s Fracture Caused by Long-Term Bad Posture and Bad Habits: A Case Report. Annals of Clinical and Medical Case Reports 2022