Causes, symptoms, treatment and possible consequences if fracture of a cervical vertebra

what is the fracture of a cervical vertebra? This question interests many people. The human neck is a very complex natural mechanism that performs many functions. There is not a single architectural structure that is arranged so delicately and wisely, as the neck. The most important role in this complex of muscles, cartilage, ligaments and bones of the neck belongs to the spine. Of 7 vertebrae, separated by intervertebral disks and bound by ligaments.

Cervical vertebrae protect the bone marrow, the discs absorb movement of the head and torso. Therefore, the fracture of a cervical vertebra is a serious injury. With this damage there are cases of disability and even death.

How is the cervical spine?

The shared Anatomy of the cervical spine on three separate columns:

1. Front – front two-thirds vertebrae, one ligament and the fibrous ring of the intervertebral discs;
2. Mid – posterior third of the vertebrae, one ligament and the fibrous ring of the intervertebral discs;
3. Rear – shackle, spikes, plates and spinous processes.

If the fracture disrupts one column, the remaining two may protect the spinal cord from injury. If violated two columns, the spine is divided into two parts, and the danger of rupture of the spinal cord is very high.
The vertebrae in anatomy to denote the Latin letter C, and numbered from 1 to 7:

C1. Atlanta, GA. Named after the mythical Titan who held on his shoulders the vault of heaven. This vertebra consists of two arches connected to the side of the masses. It is believed that Atlas holds the whole head, in reality it connects the skull with the spine. Atlas has no body.

C2. Epistrophy. When the human fetus is in the womb, Atlanta, GA and epistrophe connected with education, similar to the tooth. This vertebra is also called spinous, as the Atlas rotates around it as around an axis.
C3 – 6. Don't have separate names. The vertebrae are of small size, short, with short spikes, so in this part of the spine most often occur the damage.
C7. The protruding vertebra (unofficial name). Provided with a long appendage, which is easy to find the palpirovanie in the lower part of the neck.

Types of fractures

Identify the following types of fractures of the cervical vertebrae:

1. Posterior arch of the Atlas. Trauma is a strong extension of the neck and compression in a direction from the back to the process of the second vertebra. Rear arch breaks at the junction with the lateral masses.
2. Novooskolsky Jefferson. In this case, Atlas breaks down or, as expressed by physicians, "bursts" from a blow or push from the top of the skull. The arc of the first vertebra apart from simultaneous pressure from above and below. Can be two types of Jefferson fracture: typical, with lots of debris, and atypical fracture of the lateral masses. The spinal cord is usually not affected, the ligaments can be torn.
3. Axis vertebra. Doctors gave this type of injury darkly romantic name "hangman fracture". This is a consequence of too strong extension of the neck. The bones of the vertebrae break down between the spikes of the joints, the vertebral body moves forward. Can be torn ligaments and the intervertebral discs are affected. Observed faults of the legs of the arc. In the case of fracture of the Atlas is the first vertebra compresses and injures epistrophy.
4. of the Spinous processes. Fracture with separation of the spinous processes of the sixth or seventh vertebra. Can occur when a sudden tilt of the head and the neck tense. Doctors call this injury "broken digger".

Fractures of the vertebrae below C2. There are several options. Fracture "diver", for example, is the injury 4 to 5 cervical vertebra with a strong tilt of the head and neck with a punch along the spine. Can be affected one or more vertebrae, torn ligaments, suffer wheels. Bones the vertebrae are damaged by the type of compression fracture, that is, to the obstruction. The spinal cord is affected, if you break off the corners of the vertebrae (especially in the fifth and sixth).

Causes of violation of the integrity of bones

fracture of the neck occurs due to strong mechanical stress.

Typically, the cause is an accident or reckless behavior.

for Example, a compression fracture Atlanta is formed, if the person falls from a great height upside down or, on the contrary, his head falls down from a heavy object. Often affects children falling from balconies, attics, tall trees, or athletes. Early spring in the big cities many people are getting fractures because of the collapse of the head of large icicles.

A Jefferson Fracture can occur from a fall (motorcycle, bike) and in case of accident.

Fractures of the second vertebra – mainly the consequences of car accidents. With a sharp blow to the bottom ofthe face is the fracture of the Atlas. Strong bias "tooth" in the body of the spinal cord lead to death of the victim.

Damage 3 – 6 vertebrae are the consequences of traffic accidents, sports injuries, blows to the neck. 5-6 fracture of the cervical vertebra often formed when diving, when a person, not calculating the depth jumps, hits his head in the bottom or pitfalls.

Trauma 7 cervical vertebra possible bumps and drops (a different kind of accident, the fall in football, hockey, criminal situation, accidents in the home).

Features symptoms

In most cases, symptoms pronounced. The common denominator is significant, gradually increasing pain at the site of fracture. For a variety of injuries characterized by specific symptoms:

1. If broken Atlant, hurts not only the neck but also the back of the head.
2. At the turn of the 2 cervical vertebra, it is impossible to rotate the head in difficult cases is paralysis.
3. When fracture 3 vertebrae difficult or impossible to move her head and neck.
4. Damage from 4 to 6 cervical vertebrae in his neck felt a sharp pain, swelling at place of injury, inability to move his head, neck, shoulders, possible neurological abnormalities.
5. a fracture of the 7th cervical vertebra is the only one that is visible to the naked eye, especially the situation with offset.

Diagnosis and treatment

To Determine the fracture of the spine, an experienced doctor can on the basis of external signs, but to assign an exact treatment of the x-ray of. Currently using MRI. Atlanta diagnose a fracture in an x-ray.

The important point is aid to the victim. Trauma is recommended if you suspect a broken neck do not move the victim until the arrival of the doctor, not to try to determine the fracture Palmira the neck or head. An unqualified person may worsen the offset, or cause damage to the spinal cord.

The Treatment involves mainly the stillness, which will allow the bones to grow together. Neck few months hold in one position of the collar Trench. Sometimes the patient is placed in the loop of Glisson.

In the case of compression fractures or separation of bone fragments the surgery. With strong damage, use a modern method as a replacement for vertebrae or intervertebral disc telescopic prosthesis.

Fractures of the cervical vertebrae is dangerous that may hurt the spinal cord. The broken bones, penetrating into the body of the brain, causing paralysis and even death. Has a beneficial effect for paralysis physiotherapy and massages. Sometimes they help the patient to recover. But most often, unfortunately, a severe neck injury is incurable.
Prevention of fractures of the cervical vertebrae. Injury prevention is primarily avoidance of dangerous situations. You cannot dive and swim in unknown places. In sports and remedial work should observe the safety rules. These rules from an early age is necessary to teach children.

The sustainability of the neck to injury contributes to strengthening the muscles and ligaments in the gym. Work well in this respect, exercises with dumbbells and yoga. Regular exercise help to avoid unfortunate consequences in unexpected situations.