Diagnosis and Treatments for Cervical Spine Fractures in Birmingham and Hoover, Alabama

A cervical spine fracture can be diagnosed with X-ray imaging. Compression fracture or instability may require a computed tomography (CT) scan for a thorough evaluation. Often, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is also used to check for spinal cord injury or nerve compression.

Treatment will depend on the severity of the fracture. A minor, non-displaced fracture can often be treated with conservative care: typically, the patient can wear an immobilizing neck brace until the fracture is healed. Over-the-counter or prescription medication and bed rest can help reduce neck pain in the meantime. In compression fractures among patients with osteoporosis, taking medication and calcium supplements can help reduce the risk of future spinal fractures.

Severe or unstable cervical spine fractures, however, may require surgical intervention to restore spine function. One option is anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). In this procedure, a spine surgeon removes a damaged intervertebral disc from the neck and replaces it with an artificial disc. Then, the surgeon uses a bone graft and stabilization hardware to help the vertebrae fuse.

After surgery on the cervical spine, a patient may need physical therapy to rebuild strength and mobility in the neck. Recovery takes several weeks, and it can be up to a year before the bone graft heals fully.