[Cervical fractures and disc lesions].

CLINICAL ISSUE: The head accounts for about 8% of the total body weight, and only modest ligaments stabilize the cervical spine. In children, the ratio head weight/body mass is even worse, so not surprisingly injuries to the cervical spine are common. This article reviews the most common classifications of different cervical fractures. In addition, ruptures of the ligaments and lesions to the intervertebral discs and the vertebral arteries are discussed. PRACTICAL RECOMMENDATIONS: In high velocity trauma, it is vital to exclude lesions to the vertebral arteries and the cervical ligaments to prevent/minimize further harm and to accurately assess the stability of the cervical spine.