Fractures of the atlas (C1)

The human spine is formed by individual vertebrae and connective tissue discs in between. The vertebrae form the spinal canal. There are seven cervical, twelve thoracic, and five lumbar vertebrae. The intervertebral discs are the link between the individual vertebral bodies.

The little joints that link the vertebrae together are known as facet joints. They help to stabilize the spine and, together with the intervertebral discs, allow a certain degree of mobility of the spinal cord. The spinal canal should be wide enough to allow nerve roots to float freely in cerebrospinal fluid. The front border of the spinal canal is built by the vertebral bodies and intervertebral discs, the side by the intervertebral joints (facets) and back by the ligamentum flavum (yellow band) and vertebral arches. Discs consist of an outer fibrous ring (annulus fibrosus), which surrounds an inner gel-like center (nucleus pulposus). The spinal cord and nerve roots lie within the spinal canal. The spinal cord extends downwards approx. to the 1st lumbar vertebra. Below, only nerve roots are present in the spinal canal. At the level of the intervertebral disc the nerve roots pass through the neural root foramina to exit the spinal canal. The spinal cord and nerve roots conduct electric-like signals from the skin and joints to the brain, and process of movement is initiated from the brain to the muscles.

The connection between the head and the spine is the atlanto-occipital joint. It consists of the condyles of the occipital bone and the upper joint surfaces of the 1st cervical vertebra. The 1st cervical vertebra is called the atlas. The atlas is connected to the 2nd cervical vertebra (axis) below as well.

Fractures are usually caused by compression (e.g. fall on the head). They are divided into 3 types: I. Fractures of one of the arcs II. Fractures of both arcs (Jefferson) and III. Fractures of the lateral mass. C1 fractures may be stable or unstable. Instability is suspected in case of ruptured transverse ligament or Jefferson fracture.

Acute compression of the cervical spinal cord

Cervical vertebral fracture

Total or partial paralysis of the hands and feet Insensitivity from the neck down

Pain and stiffness in the neck

Neurological symptoms caused by compression of the spinal cord or nerve roots

The stability of the spine is compromised

To release the compressed nerve roots and/or spinal cord

To restore the protective function of the spine

Posterior occipitocervical fusion and if necessary decompression