How serious is a C3 fracture?

A C3 spinal cord injury results in quadriplegia, which refers to paralysis of the arms, trunk, and legs. Depending on the severity of your spinal cord injury, you may be able to move and/or feel sensation below your level of injury.

What does C2 and C3 control?

Nerves in the cervical spine Cervical nerves C1, C2 and C3 control your forward, backward and side head and neck movements. The C2 nerve provides sensation to the upper area of your head; C3 gives sensation to the side of your face and back of your head.

How long does it take for a C3 fracture to heal?

Traction allows for very little movement. You’ll have to wear rigid braces or a halo vest to steady your spine. During this time, you won’t be able to drive or do other activities. This treatment can take up to 12 weeks, while your fracture heals.

What is C3 responsible for?

The C3 protein is essential for turning on (activating) the complement system. The presence of foreign invaders triggers the C3 protein to be cut (cleaved) into two smaller pieces. One of these pieces, called C3b, interacts with several other proteins on the surface of cells to trigger the complement system’s response.

Where is C2 and C3 in neck?

The C2-through-C5 spinal motion segments are located in the middle portion of the cervical spine. They include 3 separate spinal motion segments: C2 C3, C3 C4, and C4 C5. Each segment consists of 2 adjacent vertebrae and the anatomical structures connecting them.

How serious is a C1 C2 fracture?

A C1 through C2 vertebrae injury is considered to be the most severe of all spinal cord injuries as it can lead to full paralysis—but is most often fatal. Depending upon their severity, these types of spinal cord injury are either categorized as complete or incomplete.

What is C2 C3?

The C2-C3 intervertebral joint must be regarded as a transitional area situated between the upper cervical spine where most rotation of the neck and little flexion and extension occur and the lower cervical spaces where chiefly motion in the sagittal plane and also somewhat rotation take place.

What are symptoms of C2 fracture?

Pain,tenderness,swelling,or muscle spasms in your neck

Not being able to turn or twist your neck freely

Trouble swallowing or breathing

Loss of feeling or pinprick pain in your arms or legs

Numbness,pain,or tingling at the base of your head

Double vision or loss of consciousness

What is treatment for C2 fracture?

Halo immobilization

Internal fixation (odontoid screw fixation)[11]

Posterior atlantoaxial arthrodesis

What are the possible complications of C2 fracture treatment?

Restoring Respiratory Function The most urgent priority when treating a C2 spinal cord injury is stabilizing respiratory function.

Stabilizing the Spinal Cord Depending on the severity of your C2 spinal cord injury,decompression surgery may be required to reduce pressure on the spinal cord.

Participating in a Rehabilitation Program