Users' questions

Does a C2 fracture require surgery?

Does a C2 fracture require surgery?

Treatment options for type II odontoid fractures can be nonsurgical or surgical. Nonsurgical measures include immobilization, prevent or restrict movement, in a cervical collar or halo vest. Surgery may be required if the fracture has resulted in neurologic symptoms and/or the spine has become unstable.

How long does it take for a C2 fracture to heal?

Typically, recovery after nonsurgical treatment of C1-C2 takes 8 to 12 weeks.

How is hangman’s fracture treated?

Nonoperative management of hangman’s fractures involves external immobilization with variations of cervical collar and halo ring orthosis. Immobilization with cervical collars or cervicothoracic orthosis has been used to successfully treat fractures with up to 6-mm displacement.

How do you sleep with a C2 fracture?

How to sleep with a cervical collar

  1. Make sure your mattress offers good support.
  2. Try to keep your neck in a neutral position, not bent forward, backward, or to the side.
  3. Don’t sleep in a twisted position.
  4. Try sleeping on your back with a thin pillow.
  5. To get out of bed, first roll gently onto your side.

Can a C2 fracture cause paralysis?

Therefore, if a C2 fracture results in paralysis, the victim will lose movement and sensation below the neck—an injury that’s most often fatal or results in total paralysis.

Can a C2 fracture heal?

Successful repair of the broken parts of the bone can lead to excellent recoveries. The long-term prognosis is good. In some cases, the C2 and C3 vertebrae are fused together. In one study, fusion surgery done through the back of the neck proved to be 100 percent successful within six months.

How long does it take for neck fracture to heal?

How long does it take to recover? A simple break that doesn’t affect your spinal cord can be treated with a neck brace worn for six to eight weeks until the bone heals. More complicated breaks can require surgery and other treatments such as a stiff neck brace for up to three months.

What are the possible complications of C2 fracture treatment?

Complications of C2 fracture treatment include nonunion, malunion, pseudoarthrosis formation, infection, neurovascular injury, acute airway compromise, and hardware failure. The risks of nonunion, malunion, and pseudoarthrosis formation are lessened with surgical treatment. [ 22]

What is the prognosis of C2 fractures?

If a C2 fracture does not result in paralysis, the victim may experience pain or problems moving the head until the fracture completely heals. The prognosis for a C2 fracture is typically good if the fracture didn’t cause paralysis. if you or a loved one has had a C1 fracture , C2 fracture, or any spinal cord injury contact Gomez Trial Attorneys to determine your legal options.

How are Type III C2 fractures treated?

Type III fractures are treated with halo immobilization, odontoid screw fixation, or C1-C2 arthrodesis. Deep, displaced, or angulated fractures are treated with closed reduction and halo thoracic immobilization. Uncomplicated shallow type III fractures are treated with odontoid screw fixation. Nonunion and malunion are potential complications.

What is treatment for compression fracture?

For the most part, nonoperative treatments are recommended for compression fracture. These treatments include pain medications and modified physical activity. The doctor may recommend wearing a brace that helps support the back and prevents bending forward, and therefore removes pressure from the fractured vertebrae.