Does one get paralysis of all four extremities with fractures at C-6 or C-7?

Answer 1

Hello:
Very intelligent and interesting question.
If you have a fracture of the vertebrae at the level of C6-7, it doesnt necessarily mean you will have any paralysis at all. It depends on the severity of the fracture and if there is actual damage to the spine itself at that level. You may have what is called radicular symptoms in the arms (tingling, pins and needles feelings, weakness, and numbness) if there is any damage to the spinal cord itself or if the fracture has left bone fragments floating around the spinal cord or the nerve roots at that level are being compressed or "pinched".
The only way you could get complete "quadriplegia" or paralysis in all four extremities is if you severed your spinal cord. With a complete severence of the cord at that level, you wouldnt be around to ask this question, because you would lose ability to breathe resulting in death.
To sum up, the answer is no. Depending on the severity of the fracture and what part of the vertebra is involved would govern the symptoms you would be experiencing as described above.
If you notice your symptoms worsening, you will need to get an MRI of your cervical spine with and without a contrast agent to accurately identify the extent of damage or to make a decision as to whether surgery is indicated.
I hope this helped answer your question and alleviate some of your concerns.
Regards,
Warren Shaffer, MD