The first 2, C1 and C2, are highly specialized and are given unique names: atlas and axis, respectively. C3-C7 are more classic vertebrae, having a body, pedicles, laminae, spinous processes, and facet joints. C1 and C2 form a unique set of articulations that provide a great degree of mobility for the skull.

What does a C1 fracture mean?

A C1 (atlas) vertebral fracture that usually occurs after an axial load injury during a diving accident. 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 a fractured vertebrae in the neck serious?

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.

How do you fix a C1 fracture?

In the absence of significant displacement, C1 fractures can often be treated with a period of rigid collar immobilization. In cases with more significant fracture displacement, more rigid immobilization with the halo vest or Minerva jacket may be required.

What makes C1 and C2 atypical?

C1 and C2 are considered atypical vertebrae because they have some distinguishing features compared to the rest of the cervical spine. C1 Vertebra (the atlas). The top vertebra, called the atlas, is the only cervical vertebra without a vertebral body. Instead, it is shaped more like a ring.

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

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].

Can a broken neck cause brain damage?

Brain damage was more frequently associated with upper cervical injury. Those patients with upper cervical injury are at greater risk of suffering from skull base fractures and severe intracranial hematomas than those with mid to lower cervical injury.

What makes C1 atypical?

What are the treatment options for C1–C2 fractures?

Most isolated C1 fractures and stable C1–C2 fractures are managed with use of a rigid collar, a halo-thoracic brace, or sterno-occipitomandibular immobilization. External immobilization is recommended for combined C1–C2 fractures unless instability is evident on upright and supine radiographs while the patient is wearing a brace.

What is the difference between a fractured facet and a pedicle?

Fractured facets aren’t as capable of controlling your movements. Pedicle: The pedicles come out from the vertebral body, and they are on the posterior side (back) of your vertebrae. You have one pedicle on each side of the bone, and they help form the ring that protects the spinal cord.

Is a C1-2 fusion of the C1 and C2 necessary?

The C1 lateral masses are sliding off of C2 and there is a fracture in the anterior and posterior arch of C1 with widening. Suggesting a C1-2 fusion in this setting is more than likely to result in failure. C1 in this situation provides no structural support and is not an adequate endpoint to the construct.

What are the complications of cervical vertebral artery (C1) fractures?

Complications in the management of C1 fractures range from minor discomfort to death. The primary concern with C1 fractures is establishing and maintaining cervical stability. Atlanto-occipital and atlantoaxial instability threatens the brainstem and spinal cord, potentially causing myelopathy and even mortality.