Clay-Shoveler's Fracture

Clay-Shoveler’s Fracture

The clay-shoveler’s fracture is an oblique fracture of the lower cervical or upper thoracic spinous processes. These fractures commonly occur at the levels of C6, C7, and T1. The clay-shoveler’s fractures results from hyper flexion of the neck. Hopefully, the avulsion fracture is only with the spinous process and does not extend into the lamina, which has a better chance for some type of spinal cord injury. These fractures can happen to laborers who perform activities involving lifting weights with arms extended. Symptoms include burning, “knife-like” pain at the level of the fractured spine between the upper shoulder blades. Most clay-shoveler receives no treatment. Pain medication, physical therapy, and massages can help reduce the symptoms. These fractures are diagnosed by an x-ray exam of the spine.