What happens when you break your neck at C2?

Symptoms of a minor C2 fracture can include problems moving the neck, pain, swelling, tenderness, trouble swallowing, loss of feeling or a tingling sensation in the arms and legs,numbness or pain at the base of the head, double vision, or loss of consciousness.

Can you survive a 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.

What are the odds of surviving a C2 fracture?

C2 fractures are associated with a 20% and 40% increased risk of mortality within 3 months and 2 years, respectively. The majority of C2 fracture types are type-II dens fractures. This is troublesome because these have a pseudoarthrosis (non-union) rate that exceeds 50%.

What happens when C2 is damaged?

A C2 spinal cord injury may result in quadriplegia (paralysis of the upper and lower limbs). Patients with severe C2 SCIs generally need full-time caregiver assistance to perform activities of daily living like eating and moving in bed.

How long does a C2 fracture take to heal?

Odontoid fractures. Treatment for type I C2 (axis) fractures is hard-collar immobilization for 6-8 weeks, which usually is quite successful. Type II fractures can be managed conservatively or surgically.

How long does it take for a C2 vertebrae to heal?

Type 2. This is a neck injury where the periosteum may be damaged and there is moderate risk of spinal cord injury. Treatment is a halo-vest as described above. These injuries take anywhere from eight to 12 weeks to heal.

What is C2 in the neck?

The C1 and C2 vertebrae are the first two vertebrae at the top of the cervical spine. Together they form the atlantoaxial joint, which is a pivot joint. The C1 sits atop and rotates around C2 below. More of the head’s rotational range of motion comes from C1-C2 than any other cervical joint.

How do you fix a C2 fracture?

Treatment for type I C2 (axis) fractures is hard-collar immobilization for 6-8 weeks, which usually is quite successful. Type II fractures can be managed conservatively or surgically….Odontoid fractures

  1. Halo immobilization.
  2. Internal fixation (odontoid screw fixation)
  3. Posterior atlantoaxial arthrodesis.

Can a C2 fracture heal without surgery?

In some cases, immobilization and bracing can allow the fracture to heal on its own. However, if the fracture is unstable, surgical intervention is often considered the best choice. Surgeons can restore proper spinal alignment and fix the spine in place with wires, plates, and/or screws.

How do you fix a broken C2?

Does a C2 fracture require surgery?

Conclusions. C2 fractures in the elderly can be treated surgically with both anterior and posterior approaches with acceptable morbidity and mortality rates. The majority of patients can be mobilized early and return to their previous levels of independence.

What does your C2 control?

Nerves in the cervical spine Cervical nerves C1, C2 and C3 control your forward, backward and side head and neck movements. The C2 nerve provides sensation to the upper area of your head; C3 gives sensation to the side of your face and back of your head.

How long does it take for C2 vertebrae to heal?

What happens when your C2 is out of place?

Cervical C2 Vertebrae When your C2 vertebra becomes subluxated, it can result in pain and difficulty rotating your head, as well as creating specific health problems that affect your eyesight, hearing, sinuses, head and even your tongue.

What does the C2 control?

The C1 and C2 vertebrae function together to give your head flexibility. With the atlas and axis relationship, you are able to swivel and rotate your head, as well as support your head. These two vertebrae are more responsible for the head’s rotational range of motion than from any other joint.

How long does it take to heal a C2 fracture?