Swischuk line

Last revised by Henry Knipe on 26 Feb 2020

The Swischuk line is helpful in differentiating pathological anterior displacement of the cervical spine from physiological displacement, termed pseudosubluxation.

Measurement

  • the line is drawn from anterior aspect of posterior arch of C1 to anterior aspect of posterior arch of C3
  • the anterior aspect of posterior arch of C2 should be within 1-2 mm of this line:
    • if deviated less than 2 mm: it is consistent with pseudosubluxation, but this alone is insufficient to rule out a hangman fracture
    • if deviated more than 2 mm: it is indicative of true subluxation

History and etymology

Named after Leonard Swischuk (fl. 2018), prominent American pediatric radiologist 1.

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