Background
Cervical spine fractures lead to substantial morbidity and mortality. Neck injury in athletes can quickly end or change the future of an athlete. Failure to properly recognize and provide early care in cervical spine fracture cases may lead to devastating complications.
A C3 spinous fracture is depicted in the image below.
Lateral view of a C3 spinous fracture.
For patient education resources, see the Back, Ribs, Neck, and Head Center, as well as Neck Strain, Vertebral Compression Fracture, and Whiplash.