ABSTRACT
Jefferson fracture is a burst fracture of C-1. It results in disruption of the anterior and posterior rings of C-1 and displacement of the lateral masses away from the spinal cord. It is a result of axial loading on the spine, normally when a heavy object lands on the head or when the patient falls in such a way that they land on the top of their head. Fractures most frequently occur at the junction between mobile and relatively fixed parts of the spinal column. Spinal cord injuries may be complete or incomplete. There is flaccid paralysis with loss of deep tendon reflexes and loss of sensation below the level of injury. The presence of the bulbocavernosus reflex is a poor prognostic sign, as it is usually absent in higher cortical control. NICE guidelines suggest that a CT scan of the cervical spine should be performed when it is not possible to obtain adequate X-rays.
