Jefferson fracture

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

CT axial view of a Jefferson fracture

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Cervical vertebrae
• Spinal fracture
• Neurology
• Neurosurgery

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