Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 22, 2026
Three-Dimensional Reconstruction of Orbital Fractures
Published on: May 16, 2025
Temporary occipito-cervical stabilization of a unilateral occipital condyle fracture
Klaus John Schnake1, Andreas Pingel, Matti Scholz
1BG Unfallklinik Frankfurt am Main, Center for Spinal Surgery and Neurotraumatology, Friedberger Landstraße 430, 60389, Frankfurt am Main, Germany. klaus.schnake@bgu-frankfurt.de
Introduction:
Injuries of the occipital condyles are rare. While the majority of occipital condyle fractures can be treated conservatively, surgery is recommended in craniocervical misalignment and instability. Open reduction and temporary occipito-cervical stabilization might be an alternative to fusion or halo treatment.
Materials And Methods:
This Grand Round case presentation describes temporary C0-C3 stabilization in a 29-year-old man who was involved in a car accident. Radiological examination revealed a rotational burst fracture (type AO C3.1) of C7, and a slight displaced right occipital condyle fracture (Anderson/Montesano type III) with rotational misalignment of the C0-C2 complex.
Results:
The C7 fracture was stabilized and fused from anterior and posterior. The occipital condyle fracture was reduced and temporarily stabilized from C0-C3 from posterior. Bony healing occurred after 6 months and consequently the internal fixator was removed to preserve upper cervical mobility.
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