What is a Jefferson burst fracture?
Jefferson fracture is the eponymous name given to a burst fracture of the atlas. It was originally described as a four-part fracture with double fractures through the anterior and posterior arches, but three-part and two-part fractures have also been described.
What is cervical burst fracture?
When downward compressive force is transmitted to lower levels in the cervical spine, the body of the cervical vertebra can shatter outward, causing a burst fracture. This fracture involves disruption of the anterior and middle columns, with a variable degree of posterior protrusion of the latter.
What is an unstable burst fracture?
A burst fracture is considered unstable if neurologic injury is present, angulation of the spine is greater than 20 degrees, there is subluxation or dislocation of the spine, or there is greater than 50 percent spinal canal compromise. Unstable burst fractures usually do better with early surgery.
How serious is a burst fracture?
Burst fractures are much more severe than compression fractures. The bones spread out in all directions and may damage the spinal cord. This damage can cause paralysis or injury to the nerves, which control the body’s ability to move or feel sensations.
Why do they call it a Jefferson fracture?
It is named after the British neurologist and neurosurgeon Sir Geoffrey Jefferson, who reported four cases of the fracture in 1920 in addition to reviewing cases that had been reported previously.
How long does it take to recover from a burst fracture?
Typical patients with similar issues usually need a year to recover, he said, but race car drivers and other athletes “who see it as imperative to get back soon” might be back to more-or-less normal activities in six months.
What causes a burst fracture?
A burst fracture is a descriptive term for an injury to the spine in which the vertebral body is severely compressed. They typically occur from severe trauma, such as a motor vehicle accident or a fall from a height. With a great deal of force vertically onto the spine, a vertebra may be crushed.
How long does a burst fracture take to heal?
What is the difference between stable and unstable burst fracture?
Generally, a fracture is considered stable if only the anterior column is involved, as in the case of most wedge fractures. When the anterior and middle columns are involved, the fracture may be considered more unstable.
Is a Jefferson fracture unstable?
Jefferson fractures with torn transverse ligaments are inherently unstable and referred to as unstable Jefferson fractures. Instability at the atlantoaxial joint and subsequent subluxation can occur with unprotected flexion and extension movements.
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