Injuries to pathologically changed cervical vertebrae

Three cases of fatal injuries to the upper cervical spinal cord and underlying cervical spine pathology are presented. It is stressed that the slightest suspicion concerning injuries to the upper part of the neck must lead not only to microscopic examination of the cervical spinal cord and medulla oblongata, but also to careful preparation (or maceration) of the upper cervical spine, in order not to overlook fractures or misinterpret old fractures and diseases as fresh fractures.