Fractures of the occipital condyles: report of four cases and review of the literature

Skeletal Radiol. 1993;22(3):187-90. doi: 10.1007/BF00206151.

Abstract

Fractures of the occipital condyle are rare; 32 cases have been reported in the literature. Here, the authors describe four additional cases of occipital condylar fracture. Anderson's classification is used: type I fracture: comminution of the condyle without significant displacement; type II: basilar fracture extending into the condyle; type III: condylar avulsion. The possible mechanisms are identified. Computed tomography proved essential in diagnosing these fractures; coronal reconstructions together with axial scans are particularly helpful. Three-dimensional reconstruction did not prove essential in diagnosing these fractures.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
  • Male
  • Occipital Bone / injuries*
  • Skull Fractures* / classification
  • Skull Fractures* / diagnostic imaging
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods