ATLS Version 10 Exam Questions With Complete Solution | Verified | Updated 2026 | Guaranteed Pass

ATLS Version 10 Exam Questions With Complete Solution | Verified | Updated 2026 | Guaranteed Pass Central Cord Syndrome - answer-dispro- portionately greater loss of motor strength in the upper extremities than in the lower extremities, with varying degrees of sensory loss. This syndrome typically occurs after a hyperextension injury in a patient with preexisting cervical canal stenosis. The mechanism is commonly that of a forward fall resulting in a facial impact. Central cord syndrome can occur with or without cervical spine fracture or dislocation. The prognosis for recovery in central cord injuries is somewhat better than with other incom- plete injuries. Anterior cord syndrome - answer-characterized by paraplegia and a bilateral loss of pain and temperature sensation. However, sensation from the intact dorsal column (i.e., position, vibration, and deep pressure sense) is preserved. This syndrome has the poorest prognosis of the incomplete injuries and occurs most commonly following cord ischemia. Brown-Sequard Syndrome - answer-results from hemisection of the cord, usually due to a penetrating trauma. In its pure form, the syndrome consists of ipsilateral motor loss (corticospinal tract) and loss of position sense (dorsal column), associated with contralateral loss of pain and temperature sensation beginning one to two levels below the level of injury (spino-thalamic tract). Even when the syndrome is caused by a direct penetrating injury to the cord, some recovery is usually achieved. - answer-Particularly during the initial treatment, all patients with radiographic evidence of injury and all those with neurological deficits should be considered to have an unstable spinal injury. Atlas (C1) Fracture - answer-Fractures of the atlas represent approximately 5% of acute cervical spine fractures, and up to 40% of atlas fractures are associated with fractures of the axis (C2). The most common C1 fracture is a burst fracture (Jefferson fracture). Usually from axial loading. Not usually associated with final cord injuryShould be treated as unstable C1 Rotary Subluxation - answer-Most often seen in children Pt presents with persistent rotation of the head Do not force the head back Seek specialist care Axis (C2) Fractures - answer-Acute fractures of C2 represent approximately 18% of all cervical spine injuries. Axis fractures of note to trauma care providers include odontoid fractures and posterior element fractures. Odontoid Fractures - answer-60% of C2 fractures involve the odontoid process, a peg-shaped bony protuberance that projects upward and is normally positioned in contact with the anterior arch of C1. Type I odontoid fractures typically involve the tip of the odontoid and are relatively uncommon. Type II odontoid fractures occur through the base of the dens and are the most common odontoid fracture. Type III odontoid fractures occur at the base of the dens and extend obliquely into the body of the axis. Posterior Element Fractures - answer-Hangman's fracture, involves the posterior elements of C2—the pars inter- articularis. usually caused by an extension-type injury. Ensure that patients with this fracture are maintained in properly sized rigid cervical collar until specialized care is available. MC area of cervical spine injury - answer-In adults, the most common level of cervical vertebral fracture is C5, and the most common level of subluxation is C5 on C6 Wedge compression injury - answer-Usually considered stable due to ribsBurst vertebral fracture - answer-Caused by vertical axial compression Chance fracture - answer-Horizontal fracture of the vertebral body, due to hyper-flexion of the spine. Frequently seen following motor vehicle accident where pt was restrained by only improperly positioned lap belt Chance fractures can be associated with retroperitoneal and abdominal visceral injuries. - answer-The thoracic spinal canal is narrow in relation to the spinal cord, so fracture subluxations in the thoracic spine commonly result in complete neurological deficits. How to treat compression fractures - answer-Simple compression fractures are usually stable and often treated with a rigid brace. Burst fractures, Chance fractures, and fracture-dislocations are extremely unstable and nearly always require internal fixation. Thoracolumbar junction fractures T11 through L1. - answer-Patients with thoracolumbar fractures are particularly vulnerable to rotational movement, so be extremely careful when logrolling them. bLUnt Carotid and VertebraL artery injUries - answer-Specific spinal indications in screening for these injuries include C1-C3 fractures, cervical spine fracture with subluxation, and fractures involving the foramen transversarium Spinal indications for carotid and vertebral artery injury screenings - answer-C1-C3 fractures, cervical spine fractures with subluxation, and fractures involving the foramen transversarium - answer-Patients with neck pain and normal radiography should be evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or flexion-extension x-ray films. Flexion-extension x-rays of the cervical spine can detect occult instability or determine the stability of a known fracture.