fracture, clay-shoveler’s

fracture, clay-shoveler’s An uncommon breakage of the spine, of the vertebrae from the lower neck or upper back, that results from stress. Clayshoveler’s fracture usually occurs in laborers who rapidly lift heavy weights with their arms extended, such as in shoveling. Symptoms of clay-shoveler’s fracture include burning, knife-like pain at the level of the fractured spine, between the upper shoulder blades. Clay-shoveler’s fracture is diagnosed via Xray examination of the spine. Most patients require no treatment other than rest and avoidance of activities that stress the area of the fracture. Occasionally surgical removal of the tip of the broken spine is performed for those with long-standing pain.