$Healing cervical fracture with nature entwined.$

Neck Fracture? How to Choose the Right Surgical Path

Soraya Malik in Health & Wellness August 2025 • 3 min read.

"Understanding surgical options for cervical fractures can feel overwhelming. We break down a study-backed guide to navigate treatment decisions and improve outcomes."

Cervical fractures, or breaks in the neck, are serious injuries with significant medical, scientific, and socioeconomic consequences. These fractures are especially impactful due to the active patient demographic that often sustains them.

Choosing the best surgical approach for these fractures involves many factors. Surgeons consider the type of fracture, the patient's overall health, and the goal of restoring stability and function to the spine. The study aims to classify subaxial cervical fractures using the AO classification system, indicate appropriate surgical treatments, and address the potential complications associated with different surgical approaches.

While this article doesn't dictate a one-size-fits-all treatment plan, it aims to collect data, observe treatment patterns for specific fracture types, and interpret the results to enhance patient care.

Decoding Cervical Fractures: The AO Classification

Healing cervical fracture with nature entwined.

A retrospective analysis was conducted on the records of 222 patients treated for cervical fractures, fracture-dislocations, and dislocations at the Institute of Orthopedics and Traumatology (IOT) of the Hospital das Clínicas da Faculty of Medicine of the University of São Paulo (USP). The data spanned from 2004 to March 2009.

Of these patients, 163 had subaxial fractures classifiable by the AO method, representing approximately 73.4% of the total. The remaining 59 patients had fractures of C1, C2, or subaxial fractures of posterior elements alone, without vertebral body fracture, ligamentous injury, or rotation, and were excluded from this study.

Type A: Fractures of the cervical body caused by an axial compression mechanism.
Type B: Cervical lesions with a distraction mechanism involved (flexion or extension).
Type C: Cervical lesions with a rotational trauma mechanism.

This classification is significant because type A fractures are breaks of the vertebral body, where types B and C are fracture dislocations.

Moving Forward: Optimizing Cervical Fracture Treatment

Ultimately, a better understanding of the causes and characteristics of cervical traumas and at-risk populations may lead to preventive measures through public education and awareness. Despite technological advancements, treating these injuries remains complex, requiring ongoing research and discussion among healthcare professionals.

About this Article -

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This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1590/s1808-18512010000400003, Alternate LINK

Title: Escolha Da Via Cirúrgica Para Tratamento Das Fraturas Cervicais

Subject: Neurology (clinical)

Journal: Coluna/Columna

Publisher: FapUNIFESP (SciELO)

Authors: Olavo Biraghi Letaif, Marcelo Loquette Damasceno, Alexandre Fogaça Cristante, Raphael Martus Marcon, Alexandre Sadao Iutaka, Reginaldo Perilo Oliveira, Tarcísio Eloy Pessoa De Barros Filho

Published: 2010-12-01

Everything You Need To Know

What are cervical fractures and what factors influence their treatment?

Cervical fractures, which are breaks in the neck, have significant medical, scientific, and socioeconomic consequences, particularly because they often affect an active patient demographic. Treatment decisions depend on factors like the type of fracture, the patient's health, and the goal of restoring spinal stability and function. A key aspect of classifying these fractures involves the AO classification system, which categorizes fractures to inform appropriate surgical treatments and manage potential complications. This system is based on analysis of patient data to improve treatment and recovery.

What is the AO classification system, and why is it important for cervical fractures?

The AO classification system is crucial for categorizing subaxial cervical fractures. It classifies these injuries into three main types: Type A, caused by axial compression; Type B, involving a distraction mechanism (flexion or extension); and Type C, resulting from a rotational trauma mechanism. This classification is significant because it distinguishes between fractures of the vertebral body (Type A) and fracture dislocations (Types B and C), helping surgeons determine the most appropriate surgical approach.

What was the scope of the patient data that was reviewed?

The study reviewed records of 222 patients, focusing on 163 with subaxial fractures classifiable by the AO method. The remaining 59 patients had fractures of C1, C2, or subaxial fractures of posterior elements alone, without vertebral body fracture, ligamentous injury, or rotation and were excluded from the study. The retrospective analysis aimed to classify these fractures, guide surgical treatments, and address complications. The data was collected from the Institute of Orthopedics and Traumatology (IOT) of the Hospital das Clínicas da Faculty of Medicine of the University of São Paulo (USP) between 2004 and 2009.

How do surgeons decide on the right surgical path for cervical fractures?

While surgical approaches are tailored to the specific fracture and patient, the overall goal is to restore stability and function to the spine. Factors considered include the type of fracture as classified by the AO system, the patient's overall health, and the specifics of the injury (e.g., compression, distraction, or rotation). Ultimately, the choice of surgical path depends on the individual case and is made to optimize patient outcomes.

Why is ongoing research and data collection important in treating cervical fractures?

Research and data collection, such as the retrospective analysis mentioned, play a vital role. A better understanding of the causes and characteristics of cervical traumas and at-risk populations may lead to preventive measures through public education and awareness. Despite technological advancements, treating these injuries remains complex, requiring ongoing research and discussion among healthcare professionals. By collecting data and observing treatment patterns, healthcare professionals can enhance patient care and improve outcomes.