Atlanto-occipital and atlantoaxial distraction

Case contributed by Frank Gaillard
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

History of trauma. Mechanism unavailable.

Patient Data

Age: Child

Single selected sagittal and coronal images demonstrate widening of the atlanto-occipital and atlanto-axial joints. No fractures identified. 

Widening of the atlanto-occipital and atlanto-axial joints is demonstrated with associate extensive posterior soft tissue / ligamentous injury.

Additionally, there is marked traumatic hemorrhagic change in the cervicomedullary junction with further hemorrhage at the pontomedullary junction. An epidural hematoma is also present. 

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