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Jefferson fractures in children. Case report.
Journal of Neurosurgery
|February 1, 1983
Summary
Jefferson fractures, a rare pediatric injury, typically result from vertex force impacting the lateral masses. Early diagnosis with CT scans and immobilization are crucial for effective treatment of these uncommon cervical spine fractures.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Orthopedics
- Cervical Spine Trauma
- Radiology
Background:
- Jefferson fractures are exceptionally rare in pediatric populations.
- Understanding the biomechanics of pediatric cervical spine injuries is critical.
Observation:
- A case of Jefferson fracture in a 2-year-old is presented.
- Review of the literature identified only one other reported pediatric case.
- The proposed mechanism involves force transmission from the vertex, causing lateral mass separation.
Findings:
- Pediatric Jefferson fractures often lack associated neurological deficits.
- Conventional radiography may offer insufficient detail for diagnosis in children.
- Computerized tomography (CT) provides superior visualization of these fractures.
Implications:
- CT imaging is recommended for diagnosing suspected pediatric cervical spine injuries.
- Immobilization is the preferred treatment strategy for pediatric Jefferson fractures.
- Increased awareness is needed to prevent missed diagnoses of this rare injury.