What is a Jefferson's fracture?

A Jefferson fracture

Jefferson fracture

A Jefferson fracture is a bone fracture of the anterior and posterior arches of the C1 vertebra, though it may also appear as a three- or two-part fracture.

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Jefferson fracture - Wikipedia

is a bone fracture of the vertebra C1. The vertebra C1 is a bony ring, with two wedge-shaped lateral masses, connected by relatively thin anterior and posterior arches and a transverse ligament.

Is a Jefferson fracture serious?

Any injury to the spine is a serious matter. The most serious concern is damage to the spinal cord. If you've experienced a Jefferson fracture without any neurological problems, you should be able to achieve a full recovery. The key will be following your doctor's advice every day.

Why is it called Jefferson fracture?

It is named after the British neurologist and neurosurgeon Sir Geoffrey Jefferson, who reported four cases of the fracture in 1920 in addition to reviewing cases that had been reported previously.

How is Jefferson fracture treated?

Unstable Jefferson fractures have been managed successfully with either immobilization, typically halo traction or halo vest, or surgery. We report a patient with an unstable Jefferson fracture treated nonoperatively with a cervical collar, frequent clinical examinations, and flexion-extension radiographs.

How do you get a Jefferson fracture?

The Jefferson fracture occurs most likely because of a diving accident (striking the bottom of the pool) with hyperextension of the cervical spine or may result from an axial load on the posterior side of the head. It may also result from an impact against the roof of a vehicle.

Jefferson Fracture - Everything You Need To Know - Dr. Nabil Ebraheim

Is a Jefferson fracture the same as a burst fracture?

C1 Vertebral (Jefferson) Fracture

When there are both anterior and posterior arch fractures this is called a "burst" fracture (also known as a Jefferson's fracture) and occurs when the occipital condyles are forced into the lateral masses of C1.

Is there a possibility of a vertebral artery injury from a Jefferson fracture?

Vertebral artery injury associated with a Jefferson fracture is very rare.

Can you fully recover from a C1 fracture?

Isolated atlas fractures can be effectively managed with 8 to 12 weeks of external immobilization of the craniocervical junction [3]. Collar immobilization or cervical traction for this period of time is usually sufficient to allow for proper healing; however, the type of orthosis required varies [3, 20].

How serious is a C1 neck fracture?

C1 and C2 Vertebrae Breaks, Fractures, and Misalignments

Atlas C1 and axis C2 injuries are the most severe because damage to the spinal cord at any level has potential to remove communication to the rest of the body below that point.

Can you survive a C1 and C2 fracture?

Injuries to the C1 and C2 vertebrae are rare, accounting for only 2% of spinal injuries each year. However, they are also considered to be the worst spinal cord injury that it is possible to sustain, and often fatal.

Can you walk around with a broken neck?

Depending on the level of damage to your spinal cord, it can also affect other parts of your body, such as a difficulty or inability to move your arms and legs. Paralysis may be temporary or permanent. A person may also feel tingling in their hands and feet and difficulty with balance and walking.

How serious is a C7 fracture?

Individuals with a complete C7 spinal cord injury will not be able to move or feel their trunk or lower body, and will also have some impairments in their hands/fingers. This will affect: Bladder and bowel movements. The inability to control these reflexes and muscle contractions can make you very prone to accidents.

How long does it take for a C1 and C2 fracture to heal?

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scans are usually performed prior to any treatment to ensure spinal stability and normal vertebral artery flow. Typically, recovery after nonsurgical treatment of C1-C2 takes 8 to 12 weeks.

Can a C1 fracture cause paralysis?

A C1 through C2 vertebrae injury is considered to be the most severe of all spinal cord injuries as it can lead to full paralysis—but is most often fatal. Depending upon their severity, these types of spinal cord injury are either categorized as complete or incomplete.

Which bones does march fracture usually affect?

In the case of march fractures, which account for 25 percent of all stress fractures, it occurs in the second and third metatarsal bones of the foot, which are more prone to damage due to their thin and long structures. March fractures usually develop over a period of weeks or months.

Can a chiropractor adjust C1?

Upper cervical chiropractic care focuses on the upper two vertebrae, the atlas (C1) and the axis (C2). General chiropractic adjusts the whole spine, including the lower lumbar spine. There is evidence that gently adjusting only the upper spine leads to more consistent results, particularly for neurological concerns.

Where is C1 in your neck?

The first two vertebrae of your cervical spine are unique in shape and function. Your first vertebra (C1), also called the atlas, is a ring-shaped bone that begins at the base of your skull. It's named after Atlas, of Greek mythology, who held the world on his shoulders. The atlas holds your head upright.

What does the C1 nerve control?

The C1 Nerve Root supplies neurological impulses for blood supply to the head, the pituitary gland, the scalp, bones of the face, the brain itself, inner and middle ear, and the sympathetic nerve system.

What does a C1 fracture mean?

The C1 vertebra (atlas) is a closed ring. A fracture of a closed ring necessarily results in at least two areas of ring disruption. These disruptions are customarily accompanied by a spread of the C1 ring fragments as a result of the axial loading mechanism of this injury and the weight of the head.

What is a C1 break?

A C1 spinal cord injury (SCI) refers to damage at the uppermost region of the spinal cord. As a result, C1 SCIs can affect motor control and sensation throughout the entire body.

What is a fracture burst?

A burst fracture is an injury in which the vertebra, the primary bone of the spine, breaks in multiple directions. The bones of the spine have two main sections. The vertebral arch is a ring-shaped section that forms the roof of the spinal canal and protects the spinal cord.

Can a burst fracture heal without surgery?

All burst fractures require some type of treatment. There is no burst fracture that heals well with simple observation. In rare instances, an unstable burst fracture may elect to be treated without surgery. This is usually due to extenuating circumstances, such as, severe injury to the head, chest or abdomen.

Can you walk with a burst fracture?

Most patients with a burst fracture are unable to walk immediately after the injury. Seldom, the patient may walk away from an accident and still have a burst fracture. However, often the amount of pain that is present is severe enough that patients know it is a good idea not to walk.

How long does it take for a burst vertebrae to heal?

In most cases, doctors will recommend the person wear a back brace. This will keep the spine supported while the vertebrae heal. Healing can take 6–12 weeks.