Jefferson fracture: Difference between revisions
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{{SI}} | |||
{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Jefferson fracture | |||
| image = [[File:Gray86.png|200px]] | |||
| caption = Diagram of the [[atlas (anatomy)|atlas]] | |||
| synonyms = Burst fracture of the atlas | |||
| specialty = [[Orthopedic surgery]], [[neurosurgery]] | |||
| symptoms = Neck pain, limited range of motion | |||
| complications = [[Spinal cord injury]], [[neurological deficit]] | |||
| onset = Sudden, due to trauma | |||
| duration = Varies, depending on treatment | |||
| causes = Axial load injury, such as diving into shallow water | |||
| risks = High-energy trauma, [[osteoporosis]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[X-ray]], [[CT scan]] | |||
| differential = [[Hangman's fracture]], [[odontoid fracture]] | |||
| treatment = [[Cervical collar]], [[halo vest]], surgery in severe cases | |||
| prognosis = Generally good with appropriate treatment | |||
| frequency = Rare | |||
}} | |||
[[File:Jeffersonfraktur_-_84jm-_CT_axial_-_001.jpg|CT axial view of a Jefferson fracture|thumb|left]] | |||
'''Jefferson fracture''' is a bone fracture of the anterior and posterior arches of the [[C1 vertebra]]. This injury is named after Sir Geoffrey Jefferson, a British neurologist and neurosurgeon who first described it in 1920. | '''Jefferson fracture''' is a bone fracture of the anterior and posterior arches of the [[C1 vertebra]]. This injury is named after Sir Geoffrey Jefferson, a British neurologist and neurosurgeon who first described it in 1920. | ||
== Causes == | == Causes == | ||
The Jefferson fracture is usually caused by an axial load on the back of the head or the upper cervical spine. This can occur in a variety of situations, such as a fall from a height, a car accident, or a diving accident. | The Jefferson fracture is usually caused by an axial load on the back of the head or the upper cervical spine. This can occur in a variety of situations, such as a fall from a height, a car accident, or a diving accident. | ||
== Symptoms == | == Symptoms == | ||
The symptoms of a Jefferson fracture can vary depending on the severity of the injury. They may include neck pain, headache, and difficulty moving the neck. In severe cases, there may be neurological symptoms such as numbness or weakness in the limbs. | The symptoms of a Jefferson fracture can vary depending on the severity of the injury. They may include neck pain, headache, and difficulty moving the neck. In severe cases, there may be neurological symptoms such as numbness or weakness in the limbs. | ||
== Diagnosis == | == Diagnosis == | ||
The diagnosis of a Jefferson fracture is typically made through imaging studies. A [[Computed tomography|CT scan]] is the most accurate method for diagnosing this type of fracture. An [[X-ray]] may also be used, but it may not show the fracture as clearly. | The diagnosis of a Jefferson fracture is typically made through imaging studies. A [[Computed tomography|CT scan]] is the most accurate method for diagnosing this type of fracture. An [[X-ray]] may also be used, but it may not show the fracture as clearly. | ||
== Treatment == | == Treatment == | ||
The treatment for a Jefferson fracture depends on the severity of the injury. If the fracture is stable, it may be treated with a cervical collar or halo vest to immobilize the neck. If the fracture is unstable, surgery may be required to stabilize the spine. | The treatment for a Jefferson fracture depends on the severity of the injury. If the fracture is stable, it may be treated with a cervical collar or halo vest to immobilize the neck. If the fracture is unstable, surgery may be required to stabilize the spine. | ||
== Prognosis == | == Prognosis == | ||
The prognosis for a Jefferson fracture depends on the severity of the injury and the presence of any associated injuries. With appropriate treatment, most people with a Jefferson fracture can make a full recovery. | The prognosis for a Jefferson fracture depends on the severity of the injury and the presence of any associated injuries. With appropriate treatment, most people with a Jefferson fracture can make a full recovery. | ||
== See also == | == See also == | ||
* [[Cervical vertebrae]] | * [[Cervical vertebrae]] | ||
| Line 21: | Line 35: | ||
* [[Neurology]] | * [[Neurology]] | ||
* [[Neurosurgery]] | * [[Neurosurgery]] | ||
[[Category:Orthopedic injuries]] | [[Category:Orthopedic injuries]] | ||
[[Category:Neurology]] | [[Category:Neurology]] | ||
[[Category:Neurosurgery]] | [[Category:Neurosurgery]] | ||
{{stub}} | {{stub}} | ||
Latest revision as of 04:11, 9 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Jefferson fracture | |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | Burst fracture of the atlas |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | Orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery |
| Symptoms | Neck pain, limited range of motion |
| Complications | Spinal cord injury, neurological deficit |
| Onset | Sudden, due to trauma |
| Duration | Varies, depending on treatment |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Axial load injury, such as diving into shallow water |
| Risks | High-energy trauma, osteoporosis |
| Diagnosis | X-ray, CT scan |
| Differential diagnosis | Hangman's fracture, odontoid fracture |
| Prevention | N/A |
| Treatment | Cervical collar, halo vest, surgery in severe cases |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Generally good with appropriate treatment |
| Frequency | Rare |
| Deaths | N/A |

Jefferson fracture is a bone fracture of the anterior and posterior arches of the C1 vertebra. This injury is named after Sir Geoffrey Jefferson, a British neurologist and neurosurgeon who first described it in 1920.
Causes[edit]
The Jefferson fracture is usually caused by an axial load on the back of the head or the upper cervical spine. This can occur in a variety of situations, such as a fall from a height, a car accident, or a diving accident.
Symptoms[edit]
The symptoms of a Jefferson fracture can vary depending on the severity of the injury. They may include neck pain, headache, and difficulty moving the neck. In severe cases, there may be neurological symptoms such as numbness or weakness in the limbs.
Diagnosis[edit]
The diagnosis of a Jefferson fracture is typically made through imaging studies. A CT scan is the most accurate method for diagnosing this type of fracture. An X-ray may also be used, but it may not show the fracture as clearly.
Treatment[edit]
The treatment for a Jefferson fracture depends on the severity of the injury. If the fracture is stable, it may be treated with a cervical collar or halo vest to immobilize the neck. If the fracture is unstable, surgery may be required to stabilize the spine.
Prognosis[edit]
The prognosis for a Jefferson fracture depends on the severity of the injury and the presence of any associated injuries. With appropriate treatment, most people with a Jefferson fracture can make a full recovery.


