Dr. Sean McCance, an NYC neck fracture specialist surgeon, routinely diagnoses and treats (including surgical & non-surgical intervention) neck fractures at his Upper East Side medical practice in Manhattan. A neck fracture is a break in one or more of the cervical bones (vertebrae in the neck). A neck fracture is a very serious and painful medical condition and can lead to paralysis or possibly death. A person with a neck injury should not be moved without competent medical care, which is needed immediately. Injuries severe enough to cause head injury or other trauma often also cause neck fracture. If you are seeking medical assistance for a neck fracture after hours, please call our answering service immediately and the surgeon will be contacted. 

“I am very fortunate to have had my extremely complicated neck fracture surgery performed by Dr. McCance in NYC a year ago this June. He did an excellent job! I highly recommend Dr. McCance to anyone who is considering neck surgery”. ~ RateMDs

A Neck Fracture Is Caused By Severe Trauma To The Neck Including

  • Falls: such as from a horse or bike
  • Sporting injuries
  • Collisions, such as motorcycle or automobile accidents
  • Diving into shallow water
  • Severe and sudden twist to the neck
  • Severe blows to the head or neck area
  • Falls in elderly people with osteoporosis

Risk Factors For A Neck Fracture

  • Being age 65 years or older
  • Osteoporosis
  • Certain contact sports, such as football
  • Not wearing your seat-belt when driving in a car – a car accident
  • Head injury or other traumatic injury such as severe chest trauma, pelvis or femur fractures

Symptoms of a Neck Fracture

  • Neck pain, which may or may not be severe
  • Pain radiating from the neck into the shoulder, arm, or hand
  • Numbness or pins and needles sensation in arms, hands, or legs
  • Muscle weakness or paralysis of arms or legs
  • Swelling and bruising
  • Tenderness

Diagnosis of a Neck Fracture

  • The best in class NYC neck fracture specialist will discuss your symptoms and review your medical history.
  • We will examine the neck, spine, upper and lower extremities.
  • We will perform a detailed neurologic exam.
  • We will review the physical activity that led to this injury.
  • Additional medical diagnostic tests may include an X-Ray, MRI, CAT scan, etc.

Non-Surgical Neck Fracture Treatments May Include

  • Immobilization: When there is a possibility of a broken neck, complete immobilization of the neck area is necessary at the scene of the injury. For people who have been in a car accident, EMTs are trained to keep the neck and spine immobilized during all movement and transfer of the patient.
  • Brace or Collar: A less serious neck fracture can be treated with a cervical brace or collar. It will need to be worn until the neck completely heals, usually 8 to 12 weeks. The doctor may recommend medications to reduce pain and swelling.
  • Exercise guided by a physical therapist. We will talk about timing related to returning to any type of physical activity, and suggestions for lifting restrictions and other precautions.

Neck Fracture Surgery Performed By The NYC Neck Surgeon Include

For a more severe neck fracture, you may need surgery to stabilize and realign the bones and/or decompress the nerves. Neck surgery may be urgent if you are suffering from neurological injury or the neck fracture is highly unstable. If that is not the case, the surgery may be elective.

  • Broken vertebrae that are unstable or compressing against the spinal cord are removed and replaced with stable bio-mechanical devices such as vertebral cages with bone graft.
  • A metal plate with screws, or rods and screws, may be used to help hold the bones in place.
  • Spinal fusion is performed to aid in realignment and stability.

Our best in class, Upper East Side, NYC back & neck pain diagnosis & surgery practice, Spine Associates, is honored to provide you with highly personalized and comprehensive care. Our philosophy of direct management of your case by an expert spine surgeon has made us one of the most trusted and respected spine surgery practices on the Upper East Side in NYC and the world. Feel free to contact the back & neck pain diagnosis and spine surgery specialist today to discuss your unique neck fracture condition and start yourself on the road to recovery.

Dr. Sean McCance
1155 Park Avenue, Suite E
New York, NY 10128
(212) 360-6500