Cervical Spine Trauma: A Comprehensive Literature Review

Abstract

Background: Cervical spine trauma includes a wide range of injuries, from mild ligament and muscle damage to vertebral fractures and dislocations that may cause serious spinal cord injury. Aims: This review aims to comprehensively explore cervical spine trauma, including its definition, epidemiology, classification, diagnostic approaches, management strategies, and prognosis. Methodology: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Relevant articles on cervical spine trauma published between 2000 and 2024 were reviewed. Results: Cervical spine trauma has an annual incidence of approximately 12/100,000 population. Spinal cord injury occurs in 12-50% of patients. Upper cervical injuries account for 83.5% of cases. Classification systems including AO Spine and SLIC guide treatment decisions. Management ranges from non-operative treatment with cervical collars to operative interventions including fusion and stabilization. Conclusion: Cervical spine trauma represents a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Early recognition, accurate classification, and appropriate management are crucial for optimizing outcomes.