What fracture is a Fractured Atlas?

What fracture is a Fractured Atlas?

A type 1 atlas fracture is an isolated fracture of the anterior arch (corresponding to Jefferson 1), while a type 2 atlas fracture is an isolated, predominately bilateral, fracture of the posterior atlas ring (corresponding to Jefferson 2).

What happens if you break your atlas?

For those who survive, these injuries often involve the loss of function to the neck and everything below it — which may result in full paralysis. Other related effects include the loss of ability to: Clear saliva from the mouth; Speak clearly; and.

How serious is a Jefferson fracture?

Any injury to the spine is a serious matter. The most serious concern is damage to the spinal cord. If you’ve experienced a Jefferson fracture without any neurological problems, you should be able to achieve a full recovery. The key will be following your doctor’s advice every day.

Is a C1 fracture fatal?

C1 Spinal Cord Injury: Key Points A C1 spinal cord injury can affect functions throughout the entire body. However, depending on the severity of injury, motor impairments and loss of sensation will vary. C1 SCIs are extremely dangerous and often fatal because they can affect one’s ability to breathe.

Why is it called a hangman’s fracture?

The hangman’s fracture refers to a break in a bone known as C2, because it is the second bone down from the skull in your cervical (neck) vertebrae.

What is the Atlas bone?

The atlas is one of the two upper cervical vertebrae, also known as C1, which is the topmost vertebra of the spinal column. It is the vertebra that is in contact with the occipital bone, a flat bone located at the back portion of the head.

How do you tell if your C1 is out?

Common Symptoms and Signs Stemming from C1-C2

1. Radiating pain up to the back and/or top of the head.
2. Pain in the temple and/or behind the eyes and/or ears.
3. Neck-tongue syndrome resulting in neck and/or head pain with numbness or abnormal sensation on one side of the tongue.
4. Sensitivity to light.
5. Fatigue.
6. Dizziness.
7. Nausea.

How do you sleep with a C1 fracture?

The best sleeping positions for the neck are on your back or your side. The back in particular is recommended; just make sure to use a pillow that supports the curvature of your neck and a flatter pillow to cushion your head.

What is the rule of Spence?

The Rule of Spence is a radiologic method to evaluate the likelihood of injury to the transverse atlantal ligament (TAL) on an open mouth AP (“peg”) radiograph.

What is the atlas bone?

How serious is a C1 fracture?

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.

What is C1 Atlas?

The C1 atlas is the uppermost cervical vertebra of the spine. It supports the head and — along with the C2 axis, the cervical vertebra just below it — allows the head to nod and rotate from side to side.

Which is more common atlas or burst fractures?

Isolated atlas fractures are more common; however, 40% to 44% of atlas fractures have concomitant axis fractures. Fractures of isolated anterior or posterior arches are more common and typically seen with concomitant spine fractures. Isolated burst fractures are the second most common type and rarely cause neurological injury.

What causes Atlas fractures and transverse ligament injuries?

Summary Atlas Fractures & Transverse Ligament Injuries are traumatic injuries usually caused by high-energy trauma with axial loading in young patients (Jefferson Fracture) or low-energy falls in elderly. Due to the capacious nature of the spinal canal at this level these injuries usually present with neck pain without neurological deficits.

Can a fracture of the Atlas occur in isolation?

Fracture of the Atlas may occur in isolation or in combination with C2 (Axis) fracture. Nearly 1/3 of Atlas fractures are associated with a fracture of C2. Fractures of the ring of C1 may be associated with an odontoid fracture; thus, the combination of the two fractures should be considered.

What kind of CT is used for Atlas fractures?

Thus, in suspect cases, at thin CT cuts from C1 through C3 is indicated, because it is the best radiographic study to evaluate atlas fractures and rule out concomitant C2 injury. Therefore, the imaging of an Atlas fracture consists of: Open-mouth (odontoid) view: Classically there is bilateral, lateral offset of C1 on C2.

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