What is a C1 ring fracture?

The C1 vertebra (atlas) is a closed ring. A fracture of a closed ring necessarily results in at least two areas of ring disruption. These disruptions are customarily accompanied by a spread of the C1 ring fragments as a result of the axial loading mechanism of this injury and the weight of the head.

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 happens if you fracture C1?

C1 and C2 Vertebrae Breaks, Fractures, and Misalignments In addition to the initial vertebral injury, the interference at the C1 and/or C2 level can cause the vertebral arteries to inflict neurological damage; leaving the brain without a vital source of blood.

Can you survive a C1 spinal cord injury?

Injuries to the C1 and C2 vertebrae are rare, accounting for only 2% of spinal injuries each year. However, they are also considered to be the worst spinal cord injury that it is possible to sustain, and often fatal.

How serious is a neck fracture?

However it happens, this kind of trauma is serious and scary. A neck fracture can paralyze you or even lead to death. If you fracture your neck, you’ll feel extreme pain, swelling, and a loss of feeling in your arms and legs. You shouldn’t be moved, and you should go to the hospital right away.

What bones are the worst to break?

Here are 10 of the worst bone fractures you could get.

1. Femur. The femur is the only bone in the thigh and is the longest and strongest of all bones in the body.
2. Spine. The spinal column protects the spinal cord.
3. Skull.
4. Wrist.
5. Hip.
6. Rib.
7. Ankle.
8. Pelvis.

When does the posterior arch of C1 fracture?

This fracture occurs when the head is hyperextended and the posterior neural arch of C1 is compressed between the occiput and the strong, prominent spinous process of C2, causing the weak posterior arch of C1 to fracture (see the image below).

When was the C1 ring fracture first described?

C1 ring fractures were first described by Cooper in 1822 but are better known from the descriptions of Jefferson in 1920, whose name is often associated with the four-part C1 ring fracture.

What is the anatomy of the C1 ring?

The anatomy of the C1 ring is unique and contributes to the typical fracture patterns that are seen. Two arches of bone, one anterior and one posterior, are joined together by two lateral masses to form a ring. Superiorly, the lateral masses support the occipital condyles, and inferiorly they articulate with the upper surface of the axis.

Are there any fractures in the C1 vertebra?

C1 Ring Fractures. Fractures of the C1 vertebra, or atlas, make up 2–13% of all spine fractures and 1–2% of skeletal fractures. C1 ring fractures were first described by Cooper in 1822 but are better known from the descriptions of Jefferson in 1920, whose name is often associated with the four-part C1 ring fracture.