TIMELY SAVING OF A PERSON WITH BROKEN CERVICAL SPINE DUE TO A TRAFFIC ACCIDENT

Recently, a traffic accident victim with an unstable cervical spine fracture—a condition carrying a high risk of quadriplegia—was promptly treated and stabilized at Nam Sai Gon International General Hospital.

Hospitalized With Severe Trauma After a Traffic Accident

Patient N.V.P (56 years old, Binh Thuan) was involved in a traffic accident and was transferred from a local clinic to the Emergency Department of Nam Sai Gon International General Hospital in a condition of severe neck pain, numbness in the right hand, and restricted mobility.

After admission, Mr. P. underwent the necessary diagnostic imaging. CT and MRI scans revealed an unstable cervical spine injury: a type II odontoid (C2 dens) fracture, with a portion protruding into the spinal canal at a mild to moderate degree, along with cervical spinal cord edema at the same level. This condition carried a high risk of quadriplegia and could even be fatal without timely stabilization of the cervical spine.

These injuries caused significant neck pain, numbness in both arms, increased muscle tone in the hands, and severe difficulty with movement. This type of injury is complex to manage and requires high-level surgical expertise as well as advanced anesthesia techniques.

Dr. DO ANH VU, MMed, Specialist Level II from the Neurosurgery Department shared:
“A C2 odontoid (dens) fracture is a rare and difficult-to-diagnose cervical spine injury. If not detected in time, the patient is at high risk of progressive weakness or even death due to compression of the medulla, which can lead to respiratory failure.”

Performing Surgical Reduction and Cervical Spine Stabilization

Recognizing that this was a high and complex cervical spine fracture with a high risk of paralysis if left untreated, the surgical team proceeded urgently. After multidisciplinary consultation, Dr. Do Anh Vu—together with the Neurosurgery surgical team and the Anesthesiology team at Nam Sai Gon International General Hospital—performed the procedure. The operation involved reducing the fracture on a specialized surgical table under C-arm guidance, followed by posterior cervical spine fixation using screws and rods.

After approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, the surgery was successfully completed. The patient experienced reduced neck pain and had no vascular or neurological complications. Upon awakening from anesthesia, the patient was alert and showed improved muscle tone.

The Patient Gradually Recovers After a Complex Cervical Spine Surgery

This region of the spine is known to be one of the most challenging areas to operate on. Due to its highly specialized anatomical structure, surgeons must have an exceptionally thorough understanding of cervical anatomy and possess strong three-dimensional spatial orientation skills. Despite this, the rate of complications in surgeries involving this region remains relatively high, making many surgeons cautious.

The difficulties arise not only from the unique anatomy, which differs greatly from other parts of the spine, but also from the critical importance of the neurological structures located here. Therefore, safe intervention requires meticulous preoperative evaluation and surgeons who can master multiple surgical strategies to ensure the highest possible success rate.

Currently, patient P. is gradually recovering and continues to be monitored in the Neurosurgery Department. He is expected to be discharged five days after surgery.

Dr. Do Anh Vu advises that in cases of multiple trauma—especially those involving the head and neck—any signs of cervical spine pain must be handled with proper first aid and the patient should be transferred to an appropriate specialty department. This helps avoid missing critical injuries and ensures timely diagnosis and early surgical intervention when necessary.

Nam Sai Gon International General Hospital

No. 88, Street No. 8, Trung Son Residential Area, Binh Hung Commune, Ho Chi Minh City.

Hotline: 18006767

info@nih.com.vn

BRC: No. 0312088602, issued on December 14th, 2012 by the Department of Planning and Investment of Ho Chi Minh City. Medical Examination and Treatment License No. 230/BYT-GPHĐ, issued by the Ministry of Health.