Jefferson fracture

Less frequently, strong rotation of the head may also result in Jefferson fractures.

The use of surgery to treat a Jefferson fracture is somewhat controversial.

Jefferson fractures are extremely rare in children, but recovery is usually complete without surgery.

The Jefferson fracture, which he was the first to describe, was named after him.

A break in the first vertebra is referred to as a Jefferson fracture.

Individuals with Jefferson fractures usually experience pain in the upper neck but no neurological signs.

In rare cases, congenital abnormality may cause the same symptoms as a Jefferson fracture.

A Jefferson fracture is a bone fracture of the anterior and posterior arches of the C1 vertebra, though it may also appear as a three or two part fracture.

Surgical treatment of a Jefferson fracture involves fusion or fixation of the first three cervical vertebrae; fusion may occur immediately, or later during treatment in cases where non-surgical interventions are unsuccessful.

Along with Frédéric Justin Collet (1870-1966), Sicard is credited with identifying Collet-Sicard syndrome, a disorder in which neck trauma such as a Jefferson fracture causes damage to the cranial nerves.

Jefferson fracture is often caused by an impact or load on the back of the head, and are frequently associated with diving into shallow water, impact against the roof of a vehicle and falls, and in children may occur due to falls from playground equipment.