Description
A fracture (break) of a bone of the neck (cervical spine). There are 7 cervical vertebrae and a fracture in this area can result in paralysis of the arms and legs (quadriplegia), an inability to breath and death.
Symptoms
Neck pain, numbness, weakness, symptoms that increase with neck movement, pain that radiates into arms.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. An X-ray or CT scan may be performed to rule out fracture. An MRI may be performed to detect a ligament injury, a herniated disc, spinal stenosis or cancer.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), X-ray
Specialists:
Neurosurgery, Pediatric Neurosurgery, Spine Surgery
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. An X-ray or CT scan may be performed to rule out fracture. An MRI may be performed to detect a ligament injury, a herniated disc, spinal stenosis or cancer.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), X-ray
Specialists:
Neurosurgery, Pediatric Neurosurgery, Spine Surgery
Treatment
Depends on the cause and extent of the fracture but may include: immobilization with a neck brace, observation, physical therapy, epidural steroid injection, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications/NSAIDs (ibuprofen/Motrin or Advil, naproxen/Naprosyn), pain medications, acetaminophen (Tylenol), steroids, or surgery. Surgery can include fixation internally with plates or screws, or externally with a halo. Assistance with breathing (with a ventilator) may be necessary.