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  • Treating Chronic Back PainMinimally Invasive Spine Surgery

    Minimally invasive spine surgery is the latest advanced technology available to perform spinal surgeries through small, less than one inch long, incisions. It involves the use of special surgical instruments, devices and advanced imaging techniques to visualize and perform the surgery through such small incisions. Read More

  • Relieve Nerve & Spinal Cord CompressionAnterior Cervical Discectomy & Fusion

    Anterior cervical discectomy with fusion is an operative procedure to relieve compression or pressure on nerve roots and/or the spinal cord due to a herniated disc or bone spur in the neck. Read More

  • Focus on life againLumbar Decompression

    Lumbar decompression is a surgical procedure performed to relieve pressure over the compressed nerves in the lower spine (lumbar region). It is usually indicated in patients with herniated lumbar disc, spinal stenosis, spinal injury or spinal tumours, who have not found adequate pain relief with conservative treatment. Read More

Home // Spinal Conditions // Cervical Fracture

Cervical Fracture

The neck is made up of seven tiny bones called cervical vertebrae (C1-C7). These are protected by spongy vertebral disks present between them and supported by ligaments that hold them together and surround the underlying spinal cord. Cervical fractures are common in motor vehicle accidents, sports activities and falls. The second, sixth and seventh cervical vertebrae are frequently involved in fractures, and may also injure the spinal cord.

Fractures of the cervical spine may result in pain, localised to the neck region or spreading from the neck to the shoulders or arms, decreased neck movement due to pain, swelling, bruising, tingling or pricking sensation, numbness and weakness or paralysis. Cervical fractures in the first and second vertebrae are usually fatal. Injury to the spinal cord can lead to paralysis.

If a cervical fracture is suspected, the neck should be immediately immobilised in a collar and backboard. Your doctor will perform a thorough physical examination, and order neurological tests to assess pain and neurological deficits and imaging tests to identify the location and pattern of the cervical fracture.

If the cervical spine is out of alignment, traction is applied to realign the spine. Steroids may be administered to control spinal cord damage and inflammation. Surgery may be suggested to repair the cervical fracture with spinal reconstruction by placement of bone graft followed by stabilization with plates.

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  • General Medical Council
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  • British Association of Spinal Surgeons
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  • American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
  • Euro Spine
  • North American Spine Society
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