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Cervical Spine Injuries: Atlas and Axis Damage Can Lead to Paralysis

Injuries to the atlas and axis can be devastating. Learn about the crucial role these cervical vertebrae play and why specialized care is vital.

In this picture we can see bones, skeletons and some text.
In this picture we can see bones, skeletons and some text.

Cervical Spine Injuries: Atlas and Axis Damage Can Lead to Paralysis

The cervical spine, the neck section of the vertebral column, is a complex structure that enables a wide range of motion. It comprises seven vertebrae, with the axis, or C2 bone, being the second bone in this region. Injuries to the atlas and axis, the top two cervical vertebrae, can have severe consequences, including paralysis. Professor Dr. med. Alexander Schulte has gained recognition in Germany for his expertise in treating such injuries.

The cervical region is further divided into upper and lower sections. Notably, the cervical vertebrae, including the axis, lack a body, allowing for a wider range of neck motion. The axis, or C2 bone, plays a crucial role in this mobility. It creates a pivot, the dens, which is larger than any other vertebral bone, enabling the head and neck to move side to side. This region is part of the total 33 vertebrae that make up the vertebral column, divided into cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccyx regions.

Injuries to the atlas or axis can be particularly devastating. Damage to these vertebrae can cause paralysis and may even be fatal. These two bones are the most commonly injured in the cervical spine due to their unique structure and role in neck movement.

Understanding the complexity of the cervical spine, particularly the axis and atlas, is vital for appreciating the potential severity of injuries to these regions. Professor Schulte's expertise in this area underscores the importance of specialized care for such critical injuries.

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