Pathologic cervical burst fracture presenting with airway compromise

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Emergency Medicine
• Anesthesiology

Background:

• Mechanical airway compromise is a rare complication of cervical spine injuries.
• It commonly results from retropharyngeal hematoma or prevertebral soft tissue edema.
• These complications can lead to respiratory distress and necessitate urgent airway management.

Observation:

• A unique case of airway compromise following a C3 burst fracture is presented.
• This specific case occurred without the typical retropharyngeal hematoma or prevertebral soft tissue edema.
• The patient experienced acute airway obstruction of unknown etiology.

Findings:

• The study details a novel presentation of airway compromise linked to a C3 burst fracture.
• It emphasizes the absence of common causative factors like hematoma or edema.
• Surgical management strategies for this rare presentation are discussed.

Implications:

• Cervical spine fractures should be considered in the differential diagnosis of unexplained acute airway obstruction.
• This case expands the understanding of potential mechanisms for airway compromise after spinal injury.
• Recognizing this rare etiology is crucial for timely and appropriate patient management.