- Despite advances in treatment, a
broken neck (cervical spine fracture) remains a very serious
injury. Most result from high energy trauma, such as a car accident.
Following injury, a person complaining of neck pain should be evaluated
for a cervical fracture or dislocation. If such an injury is suspected, movement
of the neck should be restricted until an x-ray can be taken.
- Different types of fractures occur
in the neck depending on the position of the head at the time of injury
as well as the direction and amount of force causing it. Many of these
fractures can be treated by protecting the neck with some type of
restrictive brace or cast, which prevents movement.
- In some circumstances surgery is
recommended. For example, surgery is indicated in the presence
of increasing or progressive paralysis. It is also appropriate for
some injuries which do not stay in place (unstable). To prevent further
movement and/or damage to the spinal cord, a fusion is usually performed
as part of the surgery. A fusion is a procedure which creates a
bridge of bone connected above and below the injured area, thereby
preventing it from moving.
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