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Cervical Spine Fracture Complications

More commonly known as a "broken neck," a cervical spine fracture refers to a break in any of the seven cervical vertebrae portions of the spine. Specifically, the cervical spine connects the skull's base to the thorax, which is the shoulders and trunk. Fractures to this area most commonly occur due to a traumatic event, such as a car accident, which causes the head to violently jerk.

  1. Diagnosis

    • For most vehicle accidents, particularly those involving neck injury, it is imperative not to move the person until emergency medical services (EMS) arrive. EMS members will transport the person to a hospital where X-rays will be conducted to view the person's spine, pinpointing any areas of fracture. According to the Hughston Sports Medicine Foundation, most cervical spine fractures will be treated with surgery to restore strength to the spine and prevent further damage.

    Severe Complications

    • Because a cervical spine fracture affects not only the spine's ability to position the head, but also the way the brain transmits messages and controls function, in extreme circumstances, cervical spine fractures can cause death or paralysis if the fracture causes extensive spinal cord damage.

    Infection

    • If a severe fracture causes bone to protrude from the skin, there is an increased risk for infection into the body's soft tissues. When the inner skin is exposed, bacteria and viruses can invade the body and cause symptoms such as fever, swelling, redness, pain and nausea. As these may also be symptoms associated with other injuries incurred during the accident, it is important to closely observe the wound site in order to recognize the possibility of infection.

    Nerve Damage

    • The spinal cord contains nerves responsible for sensations all down the body. After a fracture, nerve damage is a common occurrence, which can cause pain and tingling, particularly in the arms. While some nerve damage improves over time and sensation is restored, damage can sometimes be permanent.

    Malunion

    • While physicians most often make every effort to restore the fractured bones to their original state, it is possible that the bones will not properly heal and become misaligned, a condition that is known as malunion. If this occurs, faulty alignment may make the head more difficult to support or cause constant or dull pain.

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