Subaxial Cervical Spine Injury Classification
.
Subaxial cervical AO Spine Injury Score.
see also Subaxial cervical spine dislocation.
see Pediatric Subaxial Cervical Spine Injury
Allen-Ferguson, Harris, Argenson, AOSpine, Subaxial Cervical Spine Injury Classification (SLIC), Subaxial Cervical Spine Injury Classification (CSISS)
The AOSpine classification was the most teachable. Among numeric scales, SLIC demonstrated better results. The successful application of these classifications by residents and junior neurosurgeons was possible after a short educational course. The use of these scales in educational cycles at the stage of residency can significantly simplify the communication between specialists, especially at the stage of patient admission 1)
Previously, the most commonly used classifications of cervical fractures were those of Allen-Ferguson 2) and AO. More recently, the Subaxial Injury Classification (SLIC) 3) has added neurological status as another factor to consider.
The Allen-Ferguson classification was one of the first classifications to be used, but its importance today is only historical. It divides injuries into six types 4).
Compression-flexion, vertical compression, distraction-flexion, compression-extension, distraction-extension, and lateral flexion 5).
AOSpine subaxial cervical spine injury classification system
Subaxial Injury Classification (SLIC)
see Subaxial Injury Classification (SLIC).
The Scale was created to remedy the lack of consensus among classification groups.
Subaxial Cervical Spine Injury Classification (CSISS)
Allen and Ferguson classification of subaxial cervical spine injury
see Allen and Ferguson classification of subaxial cervical spine injury.
Few classifications have been proposed to describe injuries of the cervical spine for several reasons. First, to delineate the best treatment in each case; second, to determinate an accurate neurological prognosis, and third, to establish a standard way to communicate and describe specific characteristics of cervical injuries patterns. Classical systems are primarily descriptive and no single system has gained widespread use, largely because of restrictions in clinical relevance and its complexity 6).
A study of 165 cases demonstrates the various spectra of injury, called phylogenies, and develops a classification based on the mechanism of injury. The common groups are compressive flexion, vertical compression, distractive flexion, compressive extension, distractive extension, and lateral flexion. The probability of an associated neurologic lesion relates directly to the type and severity of cervical spine injury. With use of the classification, it is possible to formulate a rational treatment plan for injuries to the cervical spine 7).