Jefferson Fracture

Description

Burst fracture of the atlas (C1). Often occurs as a result of an axial load to the spine from a direct blow to the vertex of the head

C1 is compressed between the occipital condyles and C2, resulting in lateral spread of the C1 articular masses and consequent fractures of both the anterior and posterior arches of C1

History

• Sir Geoffrey Jefferson, first reported in 1920

Associated Persons

• Sir Geoffrey Jefferson (1886 – 1961)

Alternative names

• None

Controversies

• Did they first describe or popularise or plagiarise?

References

• Jefferson G. Fracture of the atlas vertebra: report of four cases, and a review of those previously recorded. Br J Surg. 1920;7(27):407–22.