Ace Physiotherapy and Sports in Singapore
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+65 81535374 -
ACE PHYSIO SPORTS
East gate Building, 46 East Coast Road
#08-03 Singapore 428766 -
Opening Hours
Mon to Fri: 08:00am - 8:00pm -
Opening Hours
Sat: 08:00am - 4:00pm
Sunday (By prior appointment)
Cervical Fracture Fixation
Cervical fracture fixation is a surgical procedure carried out to stabilise and realign the cervical spine after injuries caused by accidents, falls, or sports-related trauma. The cervical spine (C1 to C7) plays a vital role in supporting the head and connecting it to the shoulders and body. A fracture in this region can put pressure on the spinal cord, leading to pain, stiffness, reduced mobility, muscle weakness, altered sensations such as numbness or tingling, and in severe cases, paralysis.
The choice of treatment depends on the type and severity of the fracture. Minor compression fractures can often be managed using a cervical brace, like a halo brace, which is typically worn for 6–8 weeks to keep the spine stable while the bone heals. More severe or unstable fractures may require advanced interventions such as:
- Traction methods to straighten and stabilise fractured bones.
- Open reduction with internal fixation, using rods, plates, or screws (including C1–C2 screw fixation, occipitocervical plate fixation, or lateral-mass lower cervical plating).
- Spinal fusion procedures to join vertebrae together.
- Wiring techniques for additional stability.
Unstable fractures can significantly increase the risk of spinal cord injury unless properly stabilised. In many cases, fractures also occur with dislocations, where the vertebrae are displaced and overall spinal alignment is disturbed, making prompt and effective treatment critical.
Types of Unstable Cervical Fractures
Unstable fractures of the cervical spine can vary in severity and risk:
- Jefferson’s Fracture: Also known as a burst fracture of C1. Nearly half of patients survive this injury without significant nerve damage.
- Flexion Teardrop Fracture: Considered one of the most severe cervical injuries, caused by extreme flexion forces. It often compresses the spinal cord and may result in quadriplegia.
- Extension Teardrop Fracture: Results from hyperextension, leading to a fragment breaking away from the C2 vertebral body.
- Bilateral Locked Facets: A relatively common unstable fracture where vertebral segments are displaced. It often causes severe neurological deficits due to narrowing of the spinal canal.
Recent advancements in surgical management use internal fixation with screws or plates to stabilise the vertebrae. This allows earlier mobilisation and better rehabilitation outcomes. The decision for surgery depends on whether the fracture is wedge compression, fracture-dislocation, or another unstable type, as well as its location.
A cervical spine fracture can damage the spinal cord, leading to weakness, loss of sensation, and reduced independence in daily activities. At acephysiosports.com, we provide specialist physiotherapy for patients recovering from cervical spine injuries.
Physiotherapy After Cervical Fracture Fixation
At acephysiosports.com, our physiotherapists design individualised rehabilitation plans after cervical fracture fixation. Your recovery will depend on the type of surgery performed, but common issues we address include:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Reduced range of motion
- Loss of muscle strength
- Difficulty performing everyday tasks
During your initial assessment, your physiotherapist will evaluate how your symptoms affect your daily activities. A tailored programme will be developed, combining short-term and long-term goals to track your progress and maximise recovery.
Physiotherapy techniques may include:
- Pain
- Ice therapy and ultrasound to reduce pain and swelling
- Postural advice for sleeping and sitting comfortably
- Movement guidance to help restore confidence with reduced pain
- Personalised exercise programmes, including sports-specific training
- Stretching exercises to improve flexibility and relieve stiffness
- Active and passive range of motion exercises (bending, rotating, straightening the neck)
- Isometric strengthening for neck and core stability
- Low-impact aerobic activities like walking or cycling
- Ergonomic assessments to improve movement patterns at work and home
Starting physiotherapy promptly after surgery is essential for safely rebuilding strength, flexibility, and function.
At acephysiosports.com, our goal is to help you regain independence by restoring mobility, muscle power, fitness, and overall confidence. Our physiotherapists guide you step by step, ensuring a safe return to your normal activities.
To arrange an assessment with AcephysioSports.com, please contact us or call +65 8153 5374. Alternatively, you can book an appointment online today!
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Our clinics are open:
Mon - Fri: 8am - 8pm
Sat: 8am - 4pm
Sun: On Appointment Basis
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