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Stabilization of traumatic atlanto-occipital dislocation. Case report
1Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Foothills Hospital, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Journal of Neurosurgery
|September 1, 1991
Summary
Survivors of traumatic atlanto-occipital dislocation are rare. This case report details successful surgical repair of an anterior atlanto-occipital dislocation using posterior fixation and bone grafting, enabling early rehabilitation.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Trauma Surgery
Background:
- Traumatic atlanto-occipital dislocation (AOD) is a severe injury with high mortality.
- Treatment options for AOD survivors are limited and often anecdotal.
- Anterior AOD is particularly rare and challenging to manage.
Observation:
- An 18-year-old female sustained an anterior AOD from a motor-vehicle accident.
- The patient presented with a complex dislocation at the skull-base and upper cervical spine.
- Initial management strategies for AOD survivors were reviewed.
Findings:
- Surgical intervention involved rigid posterior fixation with an anatomically contoured steel loop.
- Complete reduction of the anterior atlanto-occipital dislocation was achieved.
- Cancellous bone grafting provided long-term stability, facilitating anatomical realignment.
Implications:
- This surgical approach allowed for early patient mobilization and aggressive rehabilitation.
- The case highlights the potential for successful surgical management of rare anterior AOD.
- Effective treatment may improve outcomes for AOD survivors, reducing long-term morbidity.