The lateral c-spine x-ray shows a straightened spine, which may be due to the presence of a cervical collar or a muscle spasm.

There is a fracture of the anterior aspect of the inferior aspect of C4 vertebra.

There is significant prevertebral soft tissue anterior to C4-C7; the normal acceptable diameter is less than the width of the vertebra from C4-C7.

An MRI scan of the c-spine confirmed the findings and also revealed the disruption of the anterior longitudinal ligament between C4-C5.