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Cervical Conditions in Carmel, IN Cervical Fractures

Introduction to Cervical Fractures

Injuries Affecting the Bones of the Neck

A cervical fracture (also known as a broken neck) requires acute, expert care from a trusted spine surgeon, such as Dr. Peter Swiatek at the Indiana Spine Group in Carmel, Indianapolis, Westfield, and Kokomo, Indiana. Whether due to an accident, fall, or sports injury, a cervical fracture can lead to lasting instability and can even be life-threatening. Dr. Swiatek’s goal is to develop a customized, evidence-based treatment plan that helps you reclaim your comfort and quality of life and resume the activities and schedule you most enjoy.

cervical-fractures-what

What Are Cervical Fractures?

A cervical fracture involves a break in one or more of the cervical vertebrae, the seven bones in the neck that constitute the upper portion of the spine. This type of fracture is typically the result of a serious accident, a fall from a great height, or an injury stemming from playing sports. Because the cervical spine houses and protects the spinal cord, a cervical fracture can lead to paralysis or death if the spinal cord becomes damaged. It is therefore crucial to diagnose and treat a cervical fracture right away to stave off complications. Symptoms can include neck pain and swelling, numbness and tingling in the extremities, and in severe cases, immobility.

What Are Some of the Signs of Cervical Fractures

Common symptoms of a cervical fracture include:

  • Severe neck pain
  • Deformity in the neck bones
  • Swelling
  • Tenderness
  • Numbness or tingling
  • Weakness or paralysis
  • Limited range of motion
  • Loss of coordination
  • Difficulty moving the head or neck 
  • Problems breathing

Cervical Fracture Treatments We Offer

At the Indiana Spine Group, Dr. Swiatek performs surgery using advanced techniques, a high degree of skill and precision, and an unwavering commitment to safety. Surgical interventions can include:

  • C1 osteosynthesis: C1 osteosynthesis is performed to mend broken bones in the first neck vertebra, called the atlas or C1, while ensuring you maintain normal neck movement. It helps preserve flexibility and range of motion by using small metal screws and connecting rods to stabilize the fractured elements and promote healing.
  • Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF): With this technique, Dr. Swiatek removes a damaged disc that is putting pressure on the spinal cord, relieving numbness, weakness, and chronic pain.
  • Anterior Cervical Corpectomy and Fusion (ACCF): This intricate neck surgery involves removing a portion of the damaged vertebra and disc to reduce pressure on the spinal cord. This is followed by bone grafting and placement of a spacer, often along with a metal plate with screws.
  • Posterior Cervical Decompression and Fusion (PCDF): This neck surgery is performed from the back to reduce spinal cord tension. Metal screws and rods are implanted to strengthen and stabilize the area while fusion occurs.
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How to Begin Your Cervical Fracture Treatment Journey

Cervical fractures usually involve significant pain, swelling, muscle spasms, numbness, weakness, and even paralysis if the spinal cord is impacted. Recognizing the symptoms early and seeking a diagnosis is essential to preventing long-term, irreversible damage.

  1. At the Indiana Spine Group, we offer a comprehensive treatment process that includes the following:
  2. A thorough physical examination
  3. X-rays showing the skeletal structure and the condition of the spine
  4. MRI scans providing detailed images of soft tissues, nerves, and spinal cord
  5. CT scans showing cross-sectional images of the neck and the intricate details of a patient’s bony anatomy

What to Expect During Your Cervical Fracture Surgery

Your cervical fracture surgery in Carmel, Indianapolis, Westfield, or Kokomo, Indiana, is performed under general anesthesia, allowing you to sleep deeply as Dr. Swiatek carries out your customized procedure. He may operate from the front or the back of the neck, focusing on increasing stabilization through the use of metal plates, rods, screws, or bone grafts to isolate the damaged vertebra so it can properly heal. Depending upon the extent of injury, you can expect your procedure to last 2-6 hours.

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Steps to Consider For Optimal Recovery

Your Guide to Post-Cervical Fractures Care

The following key steps support optimal recovery after surgery for a cervical fracture.

  • Wearing your protective neck brace as directed by Dr. Swiatek
  • Steering clear of heavy lifting for the first 6-12 weeks
  • Avoiding excessive bending, twisting, or neck range of motion
  • Postponing driving while wearing a neck brace or taking narcotics
  • Keeping your incisions clean and dry until they are fully healed
  • Showering only after 48-72 hours have passed and continuing to avoid baths, saunas, and hot tubs
  • Being on the lookout for infection or fever
  • Adhering to a healthy diet
  • Avoiding NSAIDs
  • Engaging in light, gentle walks each day
  • Beginning physical therapy in about 4-6 weeks or as directed by Dr. Swiatek

How Much Does Cervical Fracture Treatment Cost in Carmel, Indianapolis, Westfield, and Kokomo, Indiana?

Pricing for cervical fracture treatment in Carmel, Indianapolis, Westfield, and Kokomo, Indiana, and the surrounding areas can vary depending on the complexity of your injury and the details of the treatment plan Dr. Swiatek prepares for you. Our billing department can answer questions about cost at the time of your in-depth consultation and medical evaluation at the Indiana Spine Group.

Philosophy

Why Choose Dr. Swiatek?

Dr. Peter Swiatek is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopaedic spine surgeon whose focus is on diseases and disorders of the spine, including disc herniations, degenerative cervical, thoracic, and lumbar disease, trauma, tumors, and spinal deformity. He also offers customized solutions for those who have experienced failed spine surgeries and revision spine procedures. ​

Dr. Swiatek tailors each surgical plan to individual needs, choosing conservative solutions whenever possible. When surgery is needed, he offers evidence-backed interventions that maximize well-being, mobility, and a full return to an active lifestyle.​

Dedicated to patient safety, Dr. Swiatek has extensive expertise with cutting-edge technologies and treatment modalities in spine surgery. This ranges from using robotics to increase surgical accuracy to performing motion-preservation (non-fusion) treatments.

Training Background

Dr. Swiatek graduated magna cum laude from Harvard University with a degree in neurobiology before graduating with honors from the University of Michigan Medical School in Ann Arbor, MI, where he was included on the Dean’s commendation list for excellence in clinical skills.

Dr. Swiatek began orthopedic surgery training at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, IL, which is ranked among the country’s most elite orthopedic and neurosurgical spine centers. After his residency, Dr. Swiatek pursued a competitive spine surgery fellowship at the world-renowned Rothman Institute and Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, PA.

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Case Studies

He also specializes in repairing failed spine surgeries and revision spine procedures. Dr. Swiatek tailors his treatment plans to the needs of each of his patients, with a focus on non-operative management whenever possible. When surgery is necessary.

View Case Studies

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