Jefferson fracture

When Jefferson fracture a multiple fracture of the first cervical vertebra ( atlas) is called.

1920 by Sir Geoffrey Jefferson in his work, " Fracture of the atlas vertebra: report of four cases, and a review of Those added anonymously recorded " describes it in the classical form occurs ( a bilateral fracture of the posterior and anterior arch of the atlas ) than quadruple fracture on.

Only about 1-2% of all spinal fractures are fractures of the atlas, of which about a third again classic Jefferson fractures with four fracture fragments. The reason is an axial (longitudinal, in the longitudinal direction of the spine) acting force on the skull, which is transmitted via the lateral condyles, the Atlas ring brings to its weakest points to burst, the fragments pushes outwards and leads to the rupture of the ligamentum transversum atlantis. This frequently happens in bathing accidents by a dive into shallow water.

Neck pain and headaches in the area of the occiput after an accident should call attention to a fracture of the atlas. Neurological deficits occur in isolated Jefferson fractures only in exceptional cases, since expanding the spinal canal through the splaying arches of the atlas. However, it can occur dysphagia as a result of a paravertebral hematoma. The radiological confirmation via a dens - target acquisition with open mouth and computed tomography.

A treatment of this severe fracture of the head joint by means of a halo brace and joint stiffness.