Atlas fracture

Case contributed by Bahman Rasuli
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Motor vehicle accident.

Patient Data

Age: 25 years
Gender: Male
mri

Fractures of both the anterior and posterior ring of the atlas are seen.

Local cord abnormal signal also is seen within the cord at the level of craniocervical junction near to the posterior arc of the atlas.

There is no prevertebral soft tissue swelling.

Tiny central disc protrusion is present at the C5-C6 level.

The central annular tearing disc also is seen at the C6-C7 level.

Case Discussion

The recent patient referred to us with a history of trauma and symptom of neck pain but neurologically intact states. The patient was at the risk for neurologic compromise if not promptly diagnosed and appropriately stabilized and treated. 

The atlas is the first atypical cervical vertebra with unique features. It articulates with the dens of the axis and the occipital condyles, respectively allowing rotation of the head, and flexion, extension and lateral flexion of the head. Jefferson fracture is a bone fracture of the anterior and posterior arches of the C1 vertebra. It is the result of axial head loading along the axis of the cervical spine.

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