Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 16, 2026
Systematic Assessment of Mammalian Skull Specimens for Dental and Temporomandibular Joint Pathology
Published on: August 22, 2022
Vertical fractures of the dens
1Department of Radiology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill 27599, USA.
Purpose:
To establish the mechanism of injury that causes vertical fractures of the dens.
Methods:
Over a 3-year period, 30 patients with dens fractures were seen at our institution. From these records, we identified and retrospectively reviewed the radiographs (n = 3), CT scans (n = 3), and MR images (n = 1) of three patients with vertical fractures of the dens to assess the characteristics of these fractures and other associated injuries. Medical records of these three patients were also reviewed in an attempt to elucidate the mechanism of injury. Additionally, we reviewed three cases reported in the literature and compared them with findings in our patients.
Results:
In all patients, radiographs showed fractures involving the base of the dens (type 2), but they did not show the vertical fractures. Axial CT scans and sagittal reformations clearly showed the vertical dens fractures. One patient also had a unilateral Jefferson-type fracture. The atlantodental space was preserved in all patients. In one patient, there was posterior displacement of the fractured dens. All three patients were neurologically normal. After a 6-month period of external fixation, two patients healed adequately.
Conclusion:
Vertical dens fractures probably result from axial loading and slight extension of the head. In our cases, vertical dens fractures were accompanied by other fractures of C-1 and C-2. CT with sagittal reformations is the ideal imaging method to detect vertical dens fractures.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:26Bone Markings
Articulating Projections
Articulating projections are found where two bones meet to form a joint. These structures are usually found at the ends of bones. The largest articulation is a rounded projection called the head, supported by a narrow neck at the ends of...
01:27Fractures: Bone Repair
Minor fractures with no bone displacement are treated by immobilizing the fractured bone using a cast or splint. However, in the case of fractures with displaced bones, the broken bones are repositioned before immobilization to ensure successful healing without deformation and loss of function. The realignment of fractured bone ends is performed through a process called reduction. If the procedure...
01:27Cranial Bones: Lateral View
The temporal bone forms the lower lateral side of the skull. The temporal bone is subdivided into several regions. The flattened upper portion is the squamous portion of the temporal bone. Below this area and projecting anteriorly is the zygomatic process of the temporal bone, which forms the posterior portion of the zygomatic arch. Posteriorly is the mastoid portion of the temporal bone. Projecting...
01:28Articulations of the Vertebral Column
01:18Anatomy of the Brain: Ventricles
01:21Tooth Anatomy
The Crown, Neck, and Root
The visible part of the tooth is referred to as the crown. It's covered by enamel, the hardest substance in the human body. The crown is uniquely shaped for each type of tooth, allowing for different functions such as cutting, tearing, or grinding food.