Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2026
Pseudofracture: An Acute Peripheral Tissue Trauma Model
Published on: April 18, 2011
Jefferson fracture resulting in Collet-Sicard syndrome
B Connolly1, C Turner, J DeVine
1Department of General Surgery, Army Medical Center, Tacoma, Washington, USA. Brendon.Connolly@Amedd.Army.Mil
Study Design:
A case report and review of the literature.
Objective:
To increase awareness of and add to the spectrum of injury that can result from Jefferson fractures, to suggest a possible mechanism of injury, and to give a brief review of pertinent facts regarding C1 burst fractures and the Collet-Sicard Syndrome.
Summary Of Background Data:
To the author's knowledge, this is the first reported case of a Jefferson fracture resulting in Collet-Sicard Syndrome. It represents only the second reported case of cranial nerve palsy caused by Jefferson fracture.
Methods:
A 56-year-old man sustained a C1 burst fracture in a rollover motor vehicle accident. Repeated neurologic examinations over the ensuing days revealed lesions of cranial nerves IX, X, XI, and XII on the left side.
Results:
Two weeks of traction, 10 weeks in a halo vest, and 2 weeks in a cervical collar resulted in adequate fracture healing and almost complete resolution of the patient's neurologic symptoms.
Conclusion:
Although this is the first reported case of Collet-Sicard Syndrome caused by Jefferson fracture, the authors' review of the literature suggests that cranial nerve injuries may go unrecognized in some patients with C1 burst fractures. The importance of a thorough neurologic examination, including examination of the cranial nerves, in all cases of cervical spine injury cannot be overemphasized.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:27Fractures: Bone Repair
Minor fractures with no bone displacement are treated by immobilizing the fractured bone using a cast or splint. However, in the case of fractures with displaced bones, the broken bones are repositioned before immobilization to ensure successful healing without deformation and loss of function. The realignment of fractured bone ends is performed through a process called reduction. If the procedure...
01:24Flail Chest-I
Flail chest is a severe and potentially life-threatening condition characterized by the fracture of three or more adjacent ribs in multiple places. It is most commonly caused by direct impacts and trauma, such as motor vehicle accidents or injuries from a steering wheel impact. It can also occur due to falls in elderly individuals with osteoporosis, or assaults involving sharp objects.
Pathophysiology
The pathophysiology of flail chest is complex, involving fractures of...
01:14Spinal Cord Injury ll: Pathophysiology