Clay Shoveler's Fracture

Clay Shoveler's Fracture
Clay Shoveler's fracture is an uncommon but stable fracture customarily seen at the level of C7 succeeded by C6 and T1. This fracture usually happens in people who work lifting some type of weights quickly with arms lengthened causing the muscles to forcefully tighten. The force from the muscle pulling on the spinous process results in the base of its neck to break.

With Clay Shoveler's fracture, a person will feel a "knife-like" burning pain between the shoulder blades. Usually the fracture is so painful that the person can not continue with the activity they were performing.

A radiography is used to diagnose a Clay Shoveler's fracture. However if there is nerve loss, an MRI should be performed.

The majority of patients do not need medical care. Massage, physical therapy, pain medication or a cervical collar can be used to aid in the patients treatment.