Injuries of cervical vertebrae Flashcards
How do Jeffersons fractures commonly occur
Diving into shallow water
Impact against vehicle roof
Symptoms of Jeffersons fracture
Pain
No neurological signs
Consequences of Jeffersons fracture
Can damage arteries at skull base with secondary neurological consequences:
Ataxia - loss of control of body movements
Homer’s syndrome - interruption of sympathetic nervous supply to 1 side of face leading to constricted pupil, drooping eyelid and decreased sweating on affected side
Fractures of axis
Hangman’s fracture
Peg fracture
What is a hangmans fracture
Fracture through pedicles
Cause of hangmans fracture
Hyperextension of head on neck
Displacement in hangmans fracture
Forward displacement of C1 and body of C2
Risk in hangmans fracture
Fracture fragments/force may rupture spinal cord causing:
Deep unconsciousness
Respiratory failure
Cardiac failure
What is a peg fracture
Fracture of dens
Common cause of peg fracture
Road accident
Blow to back of head when falling
Risk in peg fracture
Avascular necrosis due to isolation of distal fragment from blood supply (high risk)
Spinal cord damage
Why is cervical spine prone to hyperextension/whiplash injury
Has high mobility and low stability
Consequence of minor whiplash injury
Damage to anterior longitudinal ligament = pain
Consequence of severe whiplash injury
Fracture to any cervical vertebra die to sudden compression by rapid deceleration
Why is there low chance of spinal cord damage in whiplash injury
Large vertebral foramen
