swischuk line

The Swischuk line is helpful in differentiating pathological anterior displacement of the cervical spine from physiological displacement, termed pseudosubluxation.

Measurement

• the line is drawn from anterior aspect of posterior arch of C1 to anterior aspect of posterior arch of C3
• the anterior aspect of posterior arch of C2 should be within 1-2 mm of this line:
  • if deviated less than 2 mm: it is consistent with pseudosubluxation, but this alone is insufficient to rule out a hangman fracture
  • if deviated more than 2 mm: it is indicative of true subluxation

History and etymology

Named after Leonard Swischuk (fl. 2018), prominent American pediatric radiologist .

Siehe auch:

• hangman fracture
• zervikale Pseudosubluxation