Traumatic fracture refers to breakage of any of the bones in the neck. These breaks may result from a variety of injuries ranging from falls, to sports related injuries, to Motor Vehicle Accidents, and can also range from small and insignificant fractures to large and catastrophic injuries. In addition to fracture of the bone, there are often associated injuries to the muscles and ligaments of the neck. In certain situations it is possible to treat such fractures with a cervical collar without the need for surgery. However often the times the fracture are significant enough to require a spinal fusion to prevent instability. Such fractures may or may not involve direct injuries to nerves or the spinal cord.

Fortunately the overall outcome for patients with cervical traumas are significantly better than in the past. This is related to significant improvements in patient treatment at the site of injury before transport to the hospital, our current medications, new spinal techniques and technologies, specialized spinal anesthesia, and advance post operative/ICU care.