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The hidden causes of cervical spine fractures: Do you know what the most common accidents are?
A cervical spine fracture, often called a "broken neck," refers to a fracture in any of the seven cervical vertebrae in the neck. Common causes of this type of fracture include traffic accidents, water diving errors, etc. If a cervical spine fracture is accompanied by abnormal neck movement, it may cause spinal cord damage, which may lead to loss of sensation, paralysis, and in severe cases, death within a short period of time, mainly due to the impact of the nerve supply on the respiratory muscles and heart.
Causes of fractures
Cervical spine fractures usually require considerable force. Vehicle collisions and falls are the most common causes. Sudden severe twisting of the neck or a blow to the head may also cause this type of fracture. While high-energy trauma is the most common cause of fractures in young people, low-energy trauma is more common in older people. In a Norwegian study, falls were cited as the leading cause of cervical spine fractures, and the relative incidence of cervical spine fractures increased significantly with age.
Sports that involve high contact, such as football, soccer (especially goalie), ice hockey, rugby, and wrestling, are all at risk for cervical spine fractures.
For example, a "jabbing" motion in rugby or American football can cause cervical spine fractures. In addition, some non-contact sports such as gymnastics, skiing, diving, surfing, weightlifting, equestrian sports, cross-country cycling and racing may also cause such fractures. Certain penetrating neck traumas can also cause cervical spine fractures and lead to complications such as internal bleeding. The execution method of attempted strangulation is intended to cause the victim to die in a short period of time. The setting of the knot will cause the neck to twist violently, causing cervical vertebra fractures.
Diagnosis process
Physical examination
Doctors usually rely on medical records and physical examinations to determine damage to the cervical spine. The Canadian Cervical Spine Examination Rules and the National Emergency X-ray Utilization Study (NEXUS) are two important clinical prediction rules for assessing which patients require medical imaging.
Medical image selection
In children, a CT scan of the neck is required for more severe cases (such as neurological deficits), and X-rays are an option for mild cases. Swedish guidelines recommend that all children over the age of 5 undergo CT scans. In adults, UK guidelines are similar to children, but US guidelines recommend CT scans in all cases where medical imaging is needed.
Imaging testing
In a CT scan or X-ray, cervical spine fractures can be directly observed. Signs of indirect injury to the cervical spine include inconsistencies in the vertebral lines or increased thickness of the anterior vertebral spaces.
Classification of fractures
Cervical spine fractures have several common names, including C1 fracture (Jefferson's fracture), C2 fracture (hangman's fracture), etc. The AO Foundation has developed a descriptive system for the classification of cervical spine fractures, the AOSpine Subaxial Cervical Spine Fracture Classification System.
Treatment methods
Treatment of cervical spine fractures should be carried out in an early and timely manner, and the head and neck should be completely immobilized until safety is determined. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin or ibuprofen should be avoided because they can interfere with bone healing. Patients with cervical spine fractures are usually rehabilitated with analgesics and long-term physical therapy.
Cervical spine fixation device
Minor fractures can be stabilized with cervical spine fixation devices, such as soft cervical collars. In contrast, rigid fixation devices such as cervical pull rings are suitable for patients with severe fractures. In some special cases, patients may even need to be immobilized with a cast.
Surgical treatment
When needed, surgery can help stabilize the cervical spine and relieve pressure on the spinal cord. The type of surgery depends on the type of injury and may involve removing damaged discs or using metal plates and screws to stabilize the spine.
Historical Witness
The Arab physician and surgeon Ibn al-Quff showed early recognition of the condition by describing the treatment of cervical spine fractures in his book "The Basics of Surgery" .
As our understanding of cervical spine fractures gradually increases, this issue still deserves our continued attention and thinking: How many details in our daily activities may be the hidden causes of cervical spine fractures?
