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A Case of Asymptomatic Occipital Condyle Fracture with Incomplete Occipitocervical Dislocation: How Did It Happen?
Pasquale Anania1, Pietro Fiaschi1, Pier Filippo Sbaffi1
1Department of Neurosurgery, San Martino-IST University Hospital, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.
Background:
Atlanto-occipital dislocation (AOD) is a lesion rarely observed in a trauma center, because of high mortality in the preclinical phase. The number of AOD survivors is increasing thanks to the improvement in prehospital resuscitation.
Case Description:
Our goal is to describe a case of incomplete atlanto-occipital dislocation presented without any neurologic, cardiorespiratory, or metabolic problems, which remained constant even after surgical treatment. Our purpose is also to discuss treatment approaches to minimize subsequent neurologic deficits.
Conclusions:
We recommend a rapid immobilization with spine table and cervical collar, the consensual stabilization of hemodynamic and respiratory parameters, and a successive prompt occipitocervical stabilization. C2 should be included in the stabilization because of the ligamentous conformation of craniocervical joint.
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