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[Epiphysiolysis of the dens axis in the small child]
A Kristen1, U Culemann, M Holanda
1Klinik für Unfall-, Hand- und Wiederherstellungschirurgie, Universitätsklinikum des Saarlandes Homburg/Saar, Kirrberger Strasse 1, 66421 Homburg/Saar, Deutschland. alexander.kristen@uniklinik-saarland.de
Insights
Infant epiphysiolysis of the dens axis is a rare injury from car accidents. Early diagnosis via imaging and prompt conservative treatment lead to uncomplicated recovery.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Traumatology
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Radiology
Background:
- Epiphysiolysis of the dens axis is an uncommon pediatric injury.
- It is often associated with high-energy frontal impacts in motor vehicle accidents.
- Accurate and timely diagnosis is crucial for appropriate management.
Observation:
- A case report of an infant sustaining epiphysiolysis of the dens axis after a car accident is presented.
- The injury was initially missed due to the patient's position in a child seat and abrupt deceleration.
- Conventional radiography, MRI, and CT were instrumental in confirming the diagnosis.
Findings:
- The study highlights the diagnostic challenges of pediatric dens axis epiphysiolysis.
- Imaging modalities like radiography, MRI, and CT are essential for identification.
- Delayed conservative treatment, necessitated by initial diagnostic delay, resulted in a favorable outcome.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering rare injuries like dens axis epiphysiolysis in infants involved in car accidents.
- Radiographic evaluation should be thorough in cases of suspected trauma, even with initial negative findings.
- Prompt diagnosis and conservative management can lead to successful outcomes in pediatric patients with this injury.
Abstract:
Epiphysiolysis of the dens axis at the infant age is a rare injury, which must be surely clarified at car accidents with frontal application of force at medium high speed. We report of a small patient sitting in a child seat, who suffered a epiphysiolysis of the dens axis, which was initially not diagnosed, due to a abrupt deceleration in the context of a car accident. The epiphysiolysis of the dens axis could be secured with the aid of conventional radiography, MRT and CT. The delayed conservative treatment due to the anamnesis was then complicationless.
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