An observation wherein the patient is supporting their cervical spine and head, signifying instability.

  • Rust Sign

  • Following a trauma to the head and/or neck (e.g. car accident)
  • May be present in severe cases of inflammatory arthritides

Severe trauma of the head or neck may result in a cervical fracture or a sprain or rupture of the transverse ligament. This can result in muscular rigidity, painful torticollis, neurological symptoms (either radiculopathy or myelopathy), and a feeling of cervical instability, requiring support which the patient supplies with their hands.

DATA
TAGS
References
Vizniak NA, Buse M. Evidence-Informed Orthopedic Assessment. Professional Health Systems Inc.; 2022.
Lefebvre R, Novak C. Cervical Orthopedic Tests. University of Western States. Published 2005/Revised 2021.

An observation wherein the patient is supporting their cervical spine and head, signifying instability.

  • Following a trauma to the head and/or neck (e.g. car accident)
  • May be present in severe cases of inflammatory arthritides

Severe trauma of the head or neck may result in a cervical fracture or a sprain or rupture of the transverse ligament. This can result in muscular rigidity, painful torticollis, neurological symptoms (either radiculopathy or myelopathy), and a feeling of cervical instability, requiring support which the patient supplies with their hands.