## Overview Lamellar damage from trauma refers to tearing of the supporting laminae or ligaments of the cervical spine, most often from the horse flipping over backward or sustaining poll trauma. It disrupts stability between the vertebrae and causes acute neck pain, swelling, and difficulty raising the head. Imaging is required to assess the extent of injury. ## Causes High-energy impact to the poll or neck, typically from rearing and falling backward. ## Diagnosis Clinical signs of neck pain and instability plus radiographs, and often computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging to evaluate soft-tissue and bony damage. ## Treatment Strict stall rest, anti-inflammatories, and sometimes external support. Severe instability may require surgical stabilization, which is rarely performed. Prognosis depends on the degree of ligamentous disruption. ## Recovery and Prognosis Guarded. Mild injuries may heal with prolonged rest. Marked instability carries a poor outlook for athletic use and sometimes for survival. ## Prevention Safe handling to reduce rearing and falling risks.
acute neck pain and swelling after trauma; difficulty raising the head; cervical instability; requires imaging
## Overview Lamellar damage from trauma refers to tearing of the supporting laminae or ligaments of the cervical spine, most often from the horse flipping over backward or sustaining poll trauma. It disrupts stability between the vertebrae and causes acute neck pain, swelling, and difficulty raising the head. Imaging is required to assess the extent of injury. ## Causes High-energy impact to the poll or neck, typically from rearing and falling backward. ## Diagnosis Clinical signs of neck pain and instability plus radiographs, and often computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging to evaluate soft-tissue and bony damage. ## Treatment Strict stall rest, anti-inflammatories, and sometimes external support. Severe instability may require surgical stabilization, which is rarely performed. Prognosis depends on the degree of ligamentous disruption. ## Recovery and Prognosis Guarded. Mild injuries may heal with prolonged rest. Marked instability carries a poor outlook for athletic use and sometimes for survival. ## Prevention Safe handling to reduce rearing and falling risks.
acute neck pain and swelling after trauma; difficulty raising the head; cervical instability; requires imaging