Jefferson Fracture

A Jefferson fracture is typically caused by an axial-loading force on the occiput of the head. It involves fractures of the anterior arch of c1 on both sides and the posterior arch of c1 on both sides. C1 usually will widen when it is fractured, so there are no cord compression. Patients will usually present with upper neck pain following a trauma, the neurological exam is usually normal. In conventional radiography the open-mouth (odontoid) will show a bilateral, lateral offset of c1 on c2. CT will demonstrate the number of fractures, their locations and degree of displacement of fragments. Treatment will depend on whether there is damage to the transverse ligament and the degree of offset of c1 on c2. Treatments include collar or brace for 3 months all the way through cranial traction.

BOW HUNTER'S SYDROME

Bow Hunter's syndrome or stroke, is when the arteries of the neck are obstructed and not allowing normal blood flow to the brain. This type of stroke falls under the category of an ischemic stroke. Treatment for bow hunter's vary depending on how severe the symptoms are and how much blood is being restricted from flowing to the brain. They try and minimize any head movements and prescribe an anticoagulant to reduce the chance of a clot forming. Due to the rarity of this type of stroke ,it has been difficult to determine the long-term outcome of the patients that have been treated.