Cervical (C1 and C2) Fracture
Background Information
- C1=Atlas
- C2=Axis
*Dens: Odontoid Process (Peg)
MOI
- Compression (Most Common): Falling on top of Head
- Twisting: Resulting from blow to the side of the head
- Severe cases of whiplash can lead to Cervical damage
- Pathology (Fracture)
Can easily lead to death if spinal cord is severely damaged.
Signs/Symptoms
- Sharp Pain in upper neck
- Little or no stability in neck
- Corrective Techniques: May require neck brace for support/structure
Halo neck brace
Leatt neck brace (Motocross)
(Standard) Collar Brace
Treatment/Rehabilitation
- Cervical Compression and Spurling Tests
- Pressing down on head. Patient resists
- Vertebral Artery Test
- Shoulder Abduction Test
Palpation
- Patient lying prone; Spine straight as possible
- Head and Neck slightly flexed
- Proximal to Distal as AT identifies tenderness, Muscle spasm, or guarding, defects in bone/ soft tissue