Fatal Cervical Injury in 18-Year-Old Worker After Head Trauma

An 18-year-old worker in India died after a heavy metallic object fell on the front of his head, causing a rare and fatal cervical spine injury. The September 2022 case, published in the Journal of Orthopaedic Case Reports, described a unique fracture pattern involving retropulsion of the C5 vertebral body into the spinal canal, along with a fracture in the posterosuperior portion of C6. Notably, there was no displacement of the facet joints or pedicle fractures—making it a highly unusual case not classified by standard systems like AO Spine or SLICS.

The force created a “nutcracker-like” compression. Despite rapid emergency response, cervical traction, and respiratory support, the patient died two days later due to the severity of the injury.

This case underscores the importance of workplace safety, especially around overhead hazards. It also highlights limitations in existing spinal injury classifications and calls for improved awareness of rare injury mechanisms. Protective gear and stricter safety protocols could prevent similar tragedies.