What is a C2 type 3 fracture?

A type III odontoid fracture is a fracture through the body of the C2 vertebrae and may involve a variable portion of the C1 and C2 facets. Type III odontoid fractures occur secondary to hyperextension or hyperflexion of the cervical spine in a similar manner to type II odontoid fractures.

What is the most common fracture of C2?

The most common C2 fracture—the odontoid fracture—has a biphasic age distribution with peaks both at 20–30 and at 70–80 years of age [3, 5]. This finding is not uncommon among spinal fractures [6, 7].

What is a C2 fracture called?

A hangman’s fracture is a break in the second vertebra of your neck, called the C2, or axis. This bone forms a ring around your spinal cord. A hangman’s fracture occurs on both sides of this bone. Despite its gruesome name, a hangman’s fracture is rarely caused by hangings.

What is a C2 hangman fracture?

A hangman’s fracture is a bilateral fracture traversing the pars interarticularis of cervical vertebrae 2 (C2) with an associated traumatic subluxation of C2 on cervical vertebrae 3 (C3). It is the second most common fracture of the C2 vertebrae following a fracture of the odontoid process.

What is an unstable C2 fracture?

A type II odontoid fracture involves the junction of odontoid process and the vertebral body of C2. These fractures make up the majority of all odontoid fractures. They are generally considered unstable with a high rate of non-union and are the most difficult to treat[4].

How is a C2 fracture treated?

Treatment for type I C2 (axis) fractures is hard-collar immobilization for 6-8 weeks, which usually is quite successful. Type II fractures can be managed conservatively or surgically.
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Odontoid fractures
  1. Halo immobilization.
  2. Internal fixation (odontoid screw fixation)
  3. Posterior atlantoaxial arthrodesis.

How serious is a C1 C2 fracture?

Conclusions: C1-C2 injury represents a serious concern, possibly life-threatening, especially in the elderly. We found a major impact of age and comorbidities on mortality, complications, and pseudarthrosis; injury pattern or treatment option seem to have a minimal effect.

What percentage of people survive a C2 fracture?

Results. The most common mechanism of injury was a fall from standing height (n=52, 74.3%). Mortality rates were 14.3% (n=10) at day 30, and 35.7% (n=25) at 1 year.

Can you recover from a C2 fracture?

Successful repair of the broken parts of the bone can lead to excellent recoveries. The long-term prognosis is good. In some cases, the C2 and C3 vertebrae are fused together. In one study, fusion surgery done through the back of the neck proved to be 100 percent successful within six months.

What nerves are affected by C2?

It originates from the spinal column from above the cervical vertebra 2 (C2). it innervates the rectus capitis anterior and rectus capitis lateralis muscles, and provides sensory nerves to the trapezius.
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Cervical spinal nerve 2.
Cervical spinal nerve
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Anatomical terminology

Is C2 fracture serious?

C1 and C2 Vertebrae Breaks, Fractures, and Misalignments

Atlas C1 and axis C2 injuries are the most severe because damage to the spinal cord at any level has potential to remove communication to the rest of the body below that point.

Can you fully recover from a broken neck?

But can you survive a broken neck? Absolutely—not only can you survive, but with the right treatment you can thrive afterward with few ill effects.

What happens if you break your C1 and C2?

A C1 through C2 vertebrae injury is considered to be the most severe of all spinal cord injuries as it can lead to full paralysis—but is most often fatal. Depending upon their severity, these types of spinal cord injury are either categorized as complete or incomplete.

How long does it take for a C2 vertebrae to heal?

Type 2. This is a neck injury where the periosteum may be damaged and there is moderate risk of spinal cord injury. Treatment is a halo-vest as described above. These injuries take anywhere from eight to 12 weeks to heal.

What does C2 in your neck control?

Nerves in the cervical spine

Cervical nerves C1, C2 and C3 control your forward, backward and side head and neck movements. The C2 nerve provides sensation to the upper area of your head; C3 gives sensation to the side of your face and back of your head.

What nerves are affected by C2 C3?

C1, C2, and C3 (the first three cervical nerves) help control the head and neck, including movements forward, backward, and to the sides. The C2 dermatome handles sensation for the upper part of the head, and the C3 dermatome covers the side of the face and back of the head.

Why is it called hangman’s fracture?

Schneider introduced the term “hangman’s fracture” in 1965, and reported on the biomechanics and other similarities of the cervical fractures seen following judicial hangings and those caused by motor vehicle accidents.

How do you sleep with a broken neck?

A cervical pillow supports your neck and head to keep them in a neutral position.
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Some positions that you may find help relieve your pain include:
  1. sleeping on your back slightly reclined.
  2. sleeping on your back with a pillow under your knees.
  3. sleeping in the fetal position.
  4. sleeping with a pillow between your knees.