The classic: the cervical syndrome. 1949

Abstract

This Classic article is a reprint of the original work by Ruth Jackson, MD, FACS, The Cervical Syndrome. An accompanying biographical sketch on Ruth Jackson, MD, FACS, is available at DOI 10.1007/s11999-010-1277-9. The Classic Article is ©1949 by The Dallas County Medical Society and is reprinted with permission from Jackson R. The cervical syndrome. Dallas Med J. 1949;35:139–146.

A second Classic Article, The Cervical Syndrome, is attached to this article as Electronic Supplementary Material (supplemental materials are available with the online version of CORR). This article is ©1955 by Lippincott Williams and Wilkins and is reprinted with permission from Jackson R. The cervical syndrome. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 1955;5:138–148.

Electronic supplementary material: The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s11999-010-1278-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Richard A. Brand MD (✉) Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research, 1600 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, USA e-mail: dick.brand@clinorthop.org

Fig. 1

Fig. 2

Fig. 3A–D

(A) Straight lateral film shows loss of normal forward curve, narrowing of intervertebral spaces between C4 and C5 and C5 and C6, and lipping posteriorly of C5 and C6. (B) Forward flexion view shows forward subluxation of C2 on C3 and C3 on C4. (C) Hyperextension view shows posterior subluxation of C2 on C3 and C3 on C4. Note fixation of C4, C5 and C6 in all positions. Motion occurs above and below these vertebrae. (D) Oblique view shows antero-posterior narrowing of intervertebral foramina between C4 and C5, and C5 and C6.

Fig. 4

Cervical support made of Celastic.

Fig. 5A–B

Note complete relaxation and straight position of the neck in positions (A) and (B).

Fig. 6A–B

(A) Conventional pillow. Note deep crease between chin and neck. (B) Contour pillow. (A′) Lateral X-ray made with patient’s head on a conventional pillow. (B′) Film made with patient’s neck on contour pillow.