What are the most common cervical fractures?
The cervical spine is susceptible to injury because it is highly mobile with relatively small vertebral bodies and supports the head which is both heavy and acts as a lever. C2 (~30%) and C7 (~20%) are the most commonly fractured levels 7.
What are the different types of spinal fractures?
There are many different types of spinal fractures: Compression, Burst, Flexion-distraction, and Fracture-dislocation. Each of these types of fractures are described. Other terms your doctor may use to describe a fracture include stable, unstable, minor, and/or major.
What is a cervical spine fracture?
A fracture, or break, in one of the cervical vertebrae is commonly called a broken neck. Cervical fractures usually result from high-energy trauma, such as automobile crashes or falls. In elderly people, ground-level falls, such as falling off a chair, can result in a cervical fracture. Athletes are also at risk.
How serious is cervical fracture?
However it happens, this kind of trauma is serious and scary. A neck fracture can paralyze you or even lead to death. If you fracture your neck, you’ll feel extreme pain, swelling, and a loss of feeling in your arms and legs. You shouldn’t be moved, and you should go to the hospital right away.
How is a cervical fracture treated?
A minor (compression) fracture is often treated with a cervical collar or brace worn for six to eight weeks until the bone heals on its own. A more severe or complex fracture may require traction, or surgical repair or a spinal fusion.
How serious is a C3 fracture?
Damage at the C3 spinal cord can affect your diaphragm which, without immediate medical attention, can be fatal. Individuals with C3 spinal cord injuries often require ventilator assistance to restore breathing, at least initially.
What happens if you fracture C6 and C7?
When the spinal cord gets injured at C6-C7, pain, weakness, or paralysis may occur in one or more parts of the body below the injured level. Reduction of bowel, bladder, and/or breathing functions may occur in some cases. Typically, nonsurgical treatments are tried first to control the symptoms of C6-C7 injuries.
How long does it take for a cervical fracture to heal?
Traction allows for very little movement. You’ll have to wear rigid braces or a halo vest to steady your spine. During this time, you won’t be able to drive or do other activities. This treatment can take up to 12 weeks, while your fracture heals.
What happens if you break your C3 or C4 vertebrae?
Paralysis from the Neck Down A C3 spinal cord injury results in quadriplegia, which refers to paralysis of the arms, trunk, and legs. Depending on the severity of your spinal cord injury, you may be able to move and/or feel sensation below your level of injury.
What are the symptoms of a cervical fracture?
Pain,tenderness,swelling,or muscle spasms in your neck
What to expect during and after a cervical spine surgery?
– Pain that moves around. Some patients are surprised that the most bothersome pain immediately following ACDF surgery may not be in the neck but rather in the upper back and – Swallowing. – Speaking. – Mental health. – Bowel movements.
What is the treatment for spine fractures?
The study concluded: “Interventional treatment for VCF was associated with decreased or discontinued opioid prescription fills and reduced payer costs in follow-up in a significant proportion of the study population.
What causes cervical fractures?
The most common causes of cervical fractures and dislocations are motor vehicle accidents, falls, violence, and sports activities. The abrupt impact and/or twisting of the neck that occurs in a millisecond during the trauma can cause the spine bones to crack or the ligaments to rupture, or both.