The widened disk space: A sign of cervical hyperextension injury

Cervical hyperextension fracture-dislocations are common, but hyperextension sprains are rare. We report six cases of cervical hyperextension sprain characterized by widened intervertebral disk spaces. Four of the patients had serious neurological injury resulting in death. The widened disk space may be obvious on the initial roentgenogram, or may require a carefully positioned extension view. When suspected, the injury must be confirmed, for it indicates potentially serious instability.