ABSTRACT

Objective:

The aim of our study is to investigate the clinical data of patients with cervical traumas.

Materials and Method:

We investigate 65 patients who were hospitalized for cervical traumas in Department of Neurosurgery and this study is planned for Neurosurgery specialty thesis. The patient’s files were evaluated from archives retrospectively.

Results:

Forty seven man (72 %) and 18 (28 %) woman were included in the study. Mean age of patients were 35.1 (14 months-90 years). 36 patients were treated with surgery and 27 were followed up with conservative treatment with external immobilization. Total mortality was 18 (27.6 %) patients and 12 were exitus before surgery. Forty patients had cervical fracture-dislocation and 4 of them had C1- C2 upper cervical dislocation. Seventeen patients were treated with external immobilization; 2 of them with halo vest, 4 with rigid cervical collar and 11 with brace. Five of operated patients were re-operated because of complications.

Conclusion:

The cervical spine is the most vulnerable and hence the most damaged portion of the vertebral column because of the position in relation to the brain, injury can have catastrophic results. The key points in management of cervical spine trauma are to identify the injury to treat and reverse neurological deficits, and to prevent long-term disability by stabilization of the fracture.