Simultaneous fracture of every cervical vertebra: a case study.
METHODS
The case of a 14-year-old boy who sustained simultaneous fractures of every cervical vertebra in a high-energy snowmobile accident is reported.


OBJECTIVE
To describe a case of multiple cervical spine fractures and their management.


BACKGROUND
Injuries from all-terrain vehicles and off-road vehicles, including snowmobiles, are increasing in severity and frequency. The reported case illustrates a result of high-impact loading in which the driver struck his head after being thrown from a snowmobile at high speed.


METHODS
The 14-year-old boy in the reported case fractured C1-C7, but had no neurologic sequelae.


RESULTS
The fractures were treated with a halo vest after traction and reduction of the displaced odontoid fracture. All the fractures healed with no residual cervical instability.


CONCLUSIONS
This case report is the first to describe a patient of any age who sustained simultaneous fractures of every cervical vertebra. Treatment with a halo vest was successful in protecting the cervical spine until healing was complete.
Letts
Merv
M
Division of Orthopaedics, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada.
Davidson
Darin
D
Healey
David
D
D000059:Accidents; D000208:Acute Disease; D000293:Adolescent; D000671:Amputation, Surgical; D002370:Casts, Surgical; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*; D003080:Cold Temperature / Q000009:adverse effects; D005385:Fingers / Q000601:surgery; D005627:Frostbite / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D019838:Neck Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D009809:Odontoid Process / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries; D015541:Off-Road Motor Vehicles; D011030:Pneumothorax / Q000209:etiology; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D012128:Respiratory Distress Syndrome / Q000209:etiology; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016896:Treatment Outcome