The craniocervical junction comprises the occiput, C1 (atlas), and C2 (axis). C1, known as the atlas, lacks a vertebral body and spinous process. Instead, it consists of anterior and posterior arches that encircle the spinal cord and connect to the odontoid process. The occipito-atlantal and atlantoaxial articulations provide 50% of the flexion and rotation in the cervical spine, respectively. The craniocervical junction is a highly mobile region of the spine that facilitates significant flexion and rotation. Due to their high degree of motion, these bony segments are the most frequently injured in adults, particularly prone to fractures. Although C1 fractures rarely require surgery, they should be promptly identified and treated in all patients. These fractures often result from axial loading combined with flexion, extension, or rotational forces.Management of C1 fractures involves a thorough evaluation of the ligamentous structures between C0 and C1 and C1 and C2, as any bony fracture of the atlas can indicate a poor prognosis due to potential ligamentous injuries. Treatment typically includes nonoperative management with external immobilization, reserving surgery for cases where initial treatments fail or there are concomitant cervical spine fractures. This activity reviews the etiology, presentation, evaluation, and management of C1 vertebral fractures. This activity also highlights the critical roles of interprofessional healthcare providers as they collaborate in evaluating, diagnosing, and managing these fractures by understanding the unique anatomy and functional importance of the C1 vertebra, thereby enhancing their ability to provide better patient care and achieve improved outcomes.
- Provider:StatPearls, LLC
- Activity Link: https://www.statpearls.com/ArticleLibrary/viewarticle/19254
- Start Date: 2023-09-01 05:00:00
- End Date: 2023-09-01 05:00:00
- Credit Details: AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™️: 1.5 hours
Nursing: 1.5 hours
Pharmacy: 1.5 hours - MOC Credit Details: ABS - 1.5 Point; Credit Type(s): Accredited CME (ABS)
ABOS - 1.5 Point; Credit Type(s): Accredited CME (ABOS)
ABPATH - 1.5 Point; Credit Type(s): Lifelong Learning (ABPATH)
ABA - 1.5 Point; Credit Type(s): Lifelong Learning (ABA)
ABIM - 1.5 Point; Credit Type(s): Medical Knowledge (ABIM)
ABS - 1.5 Point; Credit Type(s): Self-Assessment (ABS)
ABP - 1.5 Point; Credit Type(s): Lifelong Learning and Self-Assessment (ABP) - Commercial Support: No
- Activity Type: Enduring Material
- CME Finder Type: Online Learning
- Fee to Participate: Variable
- Measured Outcome: Learner Knowledge, Learner/Team Competence
- Provider Ship: Directly Provided
- Registration: Open to all
- Specialty: Child Abuse Pediatrics, Critical Care Medicine, Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, General Operative Anesthesia, General Orthopaedics, General Pediatrics, General Surgery, Hospital Medicine, Internal Medicine, Neurocritical Care, Orthopaedic Sports Medicine, Orthopaedic Trauma, Pediatric Cardiology, Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Pediatric Neurology, Pediatric Rheumatology, Pediatric Surgery, Rheumatology, Soft Tissue & Bone, Sports Medicine, Surgery of the Spine, Surgical Critical Care, Trauma, Vascular Surgery