Abstract: Objective To summarize clinical characteristics and treatment methods of cervical vertebrae injury in the elderly.MethodsThe data of 59 elderly patients with cervical vertebrae injury from 2002 to 2006 years were retrospectively reviewed.ResultsThe most common type of injuries was hyperextension injuries of cervical spine and cervial central cord syndrome.Traffic accident and falling injury were the most common reasons.Early operation and early rehabilitation could improve the ASIA 1 or 2 grade,and avoid complications of cord injury effectively.ConclusionThe key treatment point of cervical vertebrae injury in the elderly is how to get them leave bed in order to reduce the complications of cord injury,early operation and rehabilitation are good method to decrease the mortality and increase quality of life.

Key words: cervical vertebrae injury, fracture, elderly, rehabilitation