Atlantooccipital dissociation

Case contributed by Frank Gaillard
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Child presenting following a motor vehicle accident.

Patient Data

Age: Child

Cervical spine

x-ray

Note the marked widening of the atlanto-occipital joint, consistent with atlantooccipital disassociation. No fractures identified. 

Case Discussion

Atlanto-occipital disassociation is usually seen in children and can be subtle on plain films, especially if one is only looking for fractures or disruption of the normal longitudinal lines.

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