Cervical Fracture

GENERAL INFORMATION:

What is a cervical fracture? A cervical (SER-vi-kl) fracture is also called a neck fracture or broken neck. It is a break in one or more of your seven cervical vertebrae (neck bones). Vertebrae are the bones that make up your spine. These bones support your head, and connect it to your shoulders and body. The cervical vertebrae enclose the spinal cord. The spinal cord is where the nerves from your brain go to the rest of the body. With a cervical fracture, the spinal cord may also be damaged.

What causes a cervical fracture? Cervical fractures are usually caused by severe trauma (injury) to the neck. These injuries can be caused by the following:

• Diving into a shallow pool.
  
  
• High-energy trauma, such as whiplash, car crashes, and falls.
  
  
• Severe hit to the head or neck area.
  
  
• Sudden severe twist of the neck.

What are the risk factors of a cervical fracture? The following are factors that may increase your chances of having a neck fracture:

• Weak neck muscles.
  
  
• Not wearing your seatbelt when driving.
  
  
• Old age.
  
  
• Osteoporosis or other diseases that affect the bone, such as cancer that has spread to the bone.
  
  
• Playing contact sports, such as football, soccer, hockey or wrestling.
  
  
• Violence.

What are the signs and symptoms of a cervical fracture? You may have one or more of the following:

• Being unable to move your neck, or pain when moving your neck.
  
  
• Bruising and swelling at the back of your neck.
  
  
• Loss of feeling or pin-prick pain in your arms or legs.
  
  
• Muscle weakness or paralysis (no movement) of your arms or legs.
  
  
• Pain in one part of your neck, or pain spreading from your neck to your shoulders or arms.

How is a cervical fracture diagnosed? You may have one or more of the following:

• Cervical spine x-rays: You may need cervical spine (c-spine) x-rays to check for broken bones or other problems in your neck. Several pictures may be taken of the bones in your neck.
  
  
• Computerized tomography scan: This is also called a CAT scan. This is a type of x-ray that uses computers to take pictures of the cervical spine. It can be used to learn how bad the injury is, and to see if the spinal cord is injured.
  
  
• Magnetic resonance imaging scan: This is also called an MRI. This test uses magnetic waves to take pictures of the cervical spine. An MRI shows caregivers if there is damage to the spinal cord.

How is a cervical fracture treated? Treatment will depend on which cervical bone was damaged, and the kind of fracture you have. Ask your caregiver for more information about the following treatments for minor or severe cervical fractures:

• Minor fractures: These may be treated with complete immobilization (keeping your head from moving), using any of the following cervical braces until the bone heals:
  
  
  • Halo brace: This is the most rigid (stiff) of the cervical braces because of the material. The halo brace may be used for unstable cervical fractures.
    
    
  • Philadelphia collar: This is a type of brace used to keep your neck and head in the correct position. This collar keeps your neck from moving forward, bending backward, and your head from turning.
    
    
  • Soft collar: A soft collar is a flexible brace placed around the neck. It is often used after a more rigid collar has been worn.
  
  
• Severe fractures: These may include many fractures or dislocations (bones that have changed position). More severe fractures may require surgery to return the bones to their normal position.
  
  
  • Surgery:
    
    
    • Anterior cervical discectomy: Surgery to remove a damaged disc may be done to relieve pressure on the spinal cord. A disc is a tough sac filled with a jelly-like substance. Discs sit between each of the bones in your neck and act as shock absorbers. The bones involved then may be fused (locked) together to make it more stable.
      
      
    • Internal fixation: A metal plate with screws may be used to help hold the bones in place.
    
    
  • Traction: Traction helps straighten the broken bones by using a device to pull on the neck.

How can a cervical fracture be prevented?

• Always wear a seat belt when you are driving or riding in a car.
  
  
• Do weight-bearing exercises to build strong bones (walking, jogging, stair climbing).
  
  
• Eat foods rich in calcium and vitamin D, such as milk, cheese, yogurt, salmon, tofu, almonds, and beans.
  
  
• Never dive in a shallow pool area or in water where you do not know the depth.
  
  
• Wear proper padding and protective equipment for your sport. Follow all safety regulations.

How do I find support and more information? Having a cervical fracture is life-changing for you and your family. Accepting that you have cervical fracture may be hard. Contact the following for more information:

• American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
  6300 North River Road
  Rosemont, IL 600184262
  Phone: 1-847-8237186
  Web Address: http://www.aaos.org/
  

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat you. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

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