[Introduction and interpretation of abcd classification system for subaxial cervical spine injury].

OBJECTIVE

To introduce and interpret ABCD classification system for subaxial cervical spine injury.

METHODS

The literature related to subaxial cervical spine injury classification system was extensively reviewed, analyzed, and summarized so as to introduce the ABCD classification system.

RESULTS

The ABCD classification system for subaxial cervical spine injury consists of 3 parts. The first part of the proposed classification is an anatomical description of the injury; it delivers the information whether injury is bony, ligamentous, or a combined one. The second part is the classification of nerve function, spinal stenosis, and spinal instability. The last part is optional and denotes radiological examination which is used to define injury type. Several letters have been used for simplicity to deliver the largest amount of information. And a treatment algorithm based on the proposed classification is suggested.

CONCLUSION

The ABCD classification system is proposed for simplification. However further evaluation of this classification is needed.