Can an elderly person survive a broken neck?
In summary, mortality rate after cervical spine fracture in the elderly is high. At 1 year, after the injury, more than one in four patients above the age of 75 will die, demonstrating a decreased life expectancy in this patient population.
How serious is a C2 fracture?
Severe C2 fractures may require surgery and physical therapy. If a C2 fracture does not result in paralysis, the victim may experience pain or problems moving the head until the fracture completely heals. The prognosis for a C2 fracture is typically good if the fracture didn’t cause paralysis.
How long does it take for a C2 fracture to heal?
Typically, recovery after nonsurgical treatment of C1-C2 takes 8 to 12 weeks.
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.
Can you survive a C1 and C2 fracture?
C1 and C2 Vertebrae Breaks, Fractures, and Misalignments Due to the high level and placing of these vertebrae at the top of the neck, having a C2 or C1 vertebrae out of place or suffering sustained damage is most often fatal (or leaves the individual fully paralyzed).
How long does neck Surgery take to heal?
After both procedures patients are usually discharged from the hospital within 1-2 days. It will take between 4 and 6 weeks before light work can be accomplished, while full recovery usually takes between 2 and 3 months. If necessary your doctor may suggest physical therapy sessions to aid recovery.
How do you fix a C2 fracture?
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….Odontoid fractures
- Halo immobilization.
- Internal fixation (odontoid screw fixation)
- Posterior atlantoaxial arthrodesis.
What does C2 affect?
The C2 nerves affect sensation at the top and back of the scalp, ear lobes, and front of the neck. They also affect the muscles used for neck flexion (nodding).
How long do you stay in the hospital after neck surgery?
Usually, you will have to remain in the hospital for around two days following this surgery. Further recovery will happen over the next four to six weeks, after which you can return to light activities.
How serious is neck surgery?
Complications during routine neck surgery are rare, and a study shows the most serious—death—is virtually nonexistent. Every surgical procedure carries a risk of complications. But even if the risk is low, serious complications can occur.
What happens when you break your C2?
In addition to the initial vertebral injury, the interference at the C1 and/or C2 level can cause the vertebral arteries to inflict neurological damage; leaving the brain without a vital source of blood. Symptoms following an injury to the cervical vertebrae C1 and C2 may include: Complete paralysis of arms and legs.
When do closed C2 fractures occur in the elderly?
Closed C2 fractures commonly occur after falls or other trauma in the elderly and are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Controversy exists as to best treatment practices for these patients. To compare outcomes for elderly patients with closed C2 fractures by treatment modality.
Is the morbidity of C2 fractures a contraindication?
Elderly patients faced relatively high morbidity and mortality regardless of treatment modality; thus, age alone does not appear to be a contraindication to surgical fixation of C2 fractures … Morbidity and mortality of C2 fractures in the elderly: surgery and conservative treatment
How many C2 fractures have been treated at Stanford?
Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 28 surgically and 28 nonsurgically treated cases of closed C2 fractures without spinal cord injury in patients aged 65 years of age or older treated at Stanford Hospital between January 2000 and July 2010.
Which is more common C2 or odontoid fractures?
Conclusions: C2 fractures are more common in older adults and usually resulted from falls. Odontoid fractures are most common. Most C2 fractures do not result in neurologic injury, and only a third were treated surgically. However, several patients were unable to return to their homes following their injury.
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