[Persisting upper cervical pain as sole symptom by unstable fractures in the cervical spine]

Upper cervical spine fractures can be caused by very low-energy traumas, and the clinical presentation can vary from mild neck pain to paraplegia and ultimately to death. The most common cause of these fractures is trauma but degenerative and pathologic aetiology is also seen. Upper cervical spine fractures can be difficult to diagnose because of lack of symptoms. Two case stories describe neck pain as the only symptom to severe and unstable cervical fracture and highlight the importance of an accurate history, thorough physical examination and relevant radiological investigation.