Cervical fractures

  I had a friend that broke his cervical 2 vertebrae. He has to wear a halo device for at least 3 months, and possibly up to a year! There are seven cervical vertebrae in the neck that support your head and connect it to the shoulders and body. A fracture (break or crack) in one of the cervical vertebrae is called a cervical fracture or sometimes, a broken neck. A broken neck is defined as a fracture in one or more of the seven vertebrae that make up the neck. Most people think a broken neck is a catastrophic injury resulting in paralysis. While this is true in far too many cases, the severity of this injury can actually range from mild to fatal. Fractures of the neck bones are caused by trauma, car accidents, falls and sports injuries. Often the location and nature of the break is determined by the position of the head at the time of impact, as well as the direction of the force that hits the neck. Any injury to the head or neck should be evaluated for a neck fracture. A cervical fracture is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment. Spine-related trauma may injure the spinal cord and could result in paralysis, so keeping the neck still is critical. If there is any chance of a cervical fracture, the patient’s neck should be immobilized (not moved) until medical attention arrives and x-rays can be taken. It’s best to assume there is a neck injury in anyone who has an impact fall or collision-type of injury. Symptoms of a cervical fracture include severe neck ...
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