Is a Jefferson fracture unstable?
Based on the clinical and radiographic assessments of Spence et al. [19] in cadavers, transverse ligament rupture occurs with lateral mass separation less than 6.9 mm. Jefferson fractures with torn transverse ligaments are inherently unstable and referred to as unstable Jefferson fractures.
Why do they call it a 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.
Is a Jefferson fracture serious?
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.
Is Jefferson fracture a burst fracture?
Jefferson fracture is the eponymous name given to a burst fracture of the atlas. It was originally described as a four-part fracture with double fractures through the anterior and posterior arches, but three-part and two-part fractures have also been described.
What is a Type 2 Odontoid fracture?
A type II odontoid fracture is a break that occurs through a specific part of C2, the second bone in the neck. Bones of the spine are called vertebrae. The bone involved in odontoid fracture is the second vertebra, C2, high up in the neck.
Is a C1 fracture fatal?
C1 and C2 Vertebrae Breaks, Fractures, and Misalignments Due to the high level and placing of these vertebrae at the top of the neck, having a C2 or C1 vertebrae out of place or suffering sustained damage is most often fatal (or leaves the individual fully paralyzed).
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.
Can you survive a C1 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.
How long does it take to heal 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].
What is a Type 2 fracture?
Type 2. This fracture occurs when the growth plate is hit and splits away from the joint along with a small piece of the bone shaft. This is the most common type and happens most often in children over 10. About 75 percent of Salter-Harris fractures are type 2.
What is a Type 3 Odontoid fracture?
A type III odontoid fracture is a fracture through the body of the C2 vertebrae and may involve a variable portion of the C1 and C2 facets. Type III odontoid fractures occur secondary to hyperextension or hyperflexion of the cervical spine in a similar manner to type II odontoid fractures.
What is the survival rate of a C1 fracture?
Pediatric patients with C1 fractures are rare, although the mortality rate among infants with this injury is approximately 16 % [2••].
Why are Jefferson and Hangman fractures not suitable for surgery?
Non-surgical treatment of displaced Jefferson fractures confers high rates of non-union and neurologic sequelae may arise due to cranial settling at C0–2 Primary option in stable Jefferson fracture Possible option in unstable Jefferson fracture with type II TAL rupture Not suitable for type I TAL rupture IA IB IIA IIB Spine 2009; 34 (23): 2505–2509
Where did the hangman fracture get its name?
History and etymology. The term “hangman fracture” was introduced by Schneider in 1965 5. Strictly speaking, the fracture is misnamed and should more correctly be called “hangee” fracture. As a historical note, there are four methods of judicial hanging, and the process is more complicated than may be evident at first glance.
Is it possible to survive a hangman’s fracture?
Although a hangman’s fracture is unstable, survival from this fracture is relatively common, as the fracture itself tends to expand the spinal canal at the C2 level. It is not unusual for patients to walk in for treatment and have such a fracture discovered on X-rays.
Which is more common a C2 or a hangman’s fracture?
Within C2 fractures, the hangman’s fracture accounts for 23% of occurrences while the odontoid or dens fracture accounts for 55% of them.
