Traumatic atlanto-occipital dislocation: a potentially survivable injury

Although survival with traumatic atlanto-occipital dislocation (AOD) is rare, there have been reports of victims who have sustained this injury with good neurological outcome. Plain lateral cervical spine radiography is the initial diagnostic procedure but may miss subtle dislocations. Several methods for the interpretation of the normal atlanto-occipital alignment have been devised and are discussed. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are valuable studies in the diagnosis and management of AOD. Halo immobilization and posterior spinal fusion are the preferred modes of treatment. Vascular injury may contribute to the neurological deficits seen with AOD and is potentially reversible. Three cases are reported, two with survival of 1 day, and one long-term survivor with poor neurological outcome because of associated cerebral trauma.