Two cases of fatal atlantoaxial distraction injury without fracture or rotation

D L Silbergeld; V Laohaprasit; M S Grady; P A Anderson; H R Winn

doi:10.1016/0090-3019(91)90203-l

Two cases of fatal atlantoaxial distraction injury without fracture or rotation

Surg Neurol. 1991 Jan;35(1):54-6. doi: 10.1016/0090-3019(91)90203-l.

Authors

D L Silbergeld¹, V Laohaprasit, M S Grady, P A Anderson, H R Winn

Affiliation

¹ Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle 98195.

PMID: 1983884
DOI: 10.1016/0090-3019(91)90203-l

Abstract

Atlantoaxial injuries, regardless of mechanism, typically result in bony injury. We present two unusual cases of fatal traumatic C-1-C-2 distraction without associated fracture or rotation. The ligamentous anatomy, common underlying structural/medical predispositions, and the possible mechanism of injury are discussed.

Publication types

Case Reports

MeSH terms

Adult
Atlanto-Axial Joint / diagnostic imaging
Atlanto-Axial Joint / injuries*
Atlanto-Axial Joint / physiopathology
Cervical Vertebrae / diagnostic imaging
Cervical Vertebrae / injuries*
Female
Humans
Joint Dislocations* / diagnostic imaging
Male
Radiography
Rotation
Spinal Cord Injuries* / diagnostic imaging
Vertebral Artery / diagnostic imaging
Vertebral Artery / injuries*