Clay Shoveler's Fracture in the Absence of Trauma: The Impact of Cervical Spine Lordosis: Case Report and Literature Review

Introduction: Clay shoveler's fracture is a rare avulsion fracture of the spinous processes in the lower cervical and upper thoracic vertebrae, typically occurring in laborers or athletes. We present a unique case of clay shoveler's fracture in a patient with cervical spine lordosis and no history of trauma. Case Presentation: A 23-year-old female presented with neck pain and tenderness over the C7 spinous process. Radiographs revealed an avulsion fracture of the C7 spinous process and increased cervical lordosis. Discussion: The atypical presentation of clay shoveler's fracture in association with cervical lordosis highlights the importance of considering underlying spinal pathologies in diagnosis and treatment. Altered biomechanics and stress distribution may predispose to fractures with minor trauma. Conclusion: This case emphasizes the need for clinicians to evaluate cervical spine alignment and associated abnormalities in patients with clay shoveler's fracture without a clear history of trauma, to provide valuable insights into the underlying mechanism of injury and guide effective management.