Subaxial Cervical Fractures

Cervical spine fractures are rare with the two-thirds occurring within the subaxial spine. Epidemiological distribution of subaxial cervical fractures is bimodal, with peaks occurring in the second and third decades of life and in patients older than 65 years of age. Most common risk factors include age and gender. The Subaxial Injury Classification System (SLIC) includes three categories: fracture morphology, the integrity of the DLC, and the neurological condition. Recently, the AOSpine Knowledge Forum developed the AOSpine Subaxial Cervical Spine Injury Classification, which is a more reliable and reproducible classification system. The treatment options will depend on the fracture type, presence of instability, neurological deficit, and ligamentous injury and can include non-operative or operative options. The most devastating complication after cervical fractures includes spinal cord injury, which may present with tetraplegia, severe functional loss, permanent disability, and/or death.