[Injuries of cervical spine: part I - c0-c2.]

Authors have evaluated 32 patients with injuries in the region of C0-C2 treated in the period of 1990-96. By the evaluation of 11 patients operated on and 21 patients treated conservatively they present a brief survey of potential injuries in this region, of the principles of diagnosis, suitability of individual examination methods, they evaluate the principles of reduction and fixation and determine indications and contraindications of halo traction and halo vests. They provide a guideline for the determination of primary and secondary instability with definition of limits of conservative therapy including the specification of its principles and finally with the determination of absolute and relative indications to surgical treatment. They show the differences and specific aspects of diagnosis and treatment of these traumas in children. The authors point out the necessity of a targeted diagnosis of these injuries mainly in severe injuries of the head and the necessity of individual approach to the treatment of each particular case. Key words: injuries of the upper cervical spine, classification, diagnosis, therapy.