Neurosurgical management of acute atlas-axis combination fractures. A review of 25 cases

J Neurosurg. 1989 Jan;70(1):45-9. doi: 10.3171/jns.1989.70.1.0045.

Abstract

Combination atlas-axis fractures occur relatively frequently and have a higher incidence of neurological morbidity than isolated C-1 or isolated C-2 injuries. Patients with combination C1-2 fracture-subluxation injuries should be studied with thin-section computerized tomography. Appropriate treatment is determined by the type of axis fracture present and includes surgical and nonsurgical strategies. An experience with 25 patients with combination C1-2 fractures is presented, and management and follow-up guidelines are reviewed.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Axis, Cervical Vertebra / diagnostic imaging
  • Axis, Cervical Vertebra / injuries*
  • Cervical Atlas / diagnostic imaging
  • Cervical Atlas / injuries*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Fracture Fixation / instrumentation
  • Fracture Fixation, Internal
  • Fractures, Bone / classification
  • Fractures, Bone / diagnostic imaging
  • Fractures, Bone / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nervous System Diseases / etiology
  • Orthopedic Fixation Devices
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed