Is Jefferson fracture stable or unstable?
Is Jefferson fracture stable or unstable?
The resulting four-part atlas fracture, with two in the posterior arch and two in the anterior arch, is classically referred to as the Jefferson fracture [20]. Most are relatively stable and not associated with neurologic deficits and can be treated by external immobilization with satisfactory outcomes.
How long does it take for a Jefferson fracture to heal?
What’s recovery like? If surgery is needed, recovery will likely take about 12 weeks. This is regardless of the type of surgery. If the fracture is minor, you may be able to get by with wearing a neck brace for six to eight weeks.
What is the mechanism of 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.
Are C1 fractures unstable?
Atlanto-occipital displacement injuries are some of the more unstable injury patterns associated with C1 fractures. These are caused by traumatic hyperflexion or extension of the neck, which severs the posterior longitudinal ligament as well as the bilateral alar ligaments.
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.
Why is C1 called 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 there a possibility of a vertebral artery injury from a Jefferson fracture?
Vertebral artery injury associated with a Jefferson fracture is very rare.
Is C1 The most serious spinal injury?
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.
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.
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.
