Why are cervical spine fractures serious injuries?
The cervical spine forms the rigid bony column which supports the head. The other important function is the protection of the spinal cord which supplies both the upper limbs and the lower limbs. Spinal cord injuries are more common in the cervical spine as the spinal canal is almost completely occupied by the cord and even a small degree of movement of the fractured fragments can lead to damage of the cord. Spinal cord injury can lead to paralysis of the limbs and loss of bowel and bladder function. Loss of neurological function make these injuries serious requiring treatment at specialised centres. Because of the high-energy mechanism of injury, patients often have other life-threatening injuries as well. What are the first aid measures in cervical spine fractures? Never attempt to move a person with a spinal injury because movement can cause more damage. It is important that the patient be transported at the earliest to a center specialised in spinal injuries, preferably by trained p
