Atlanto-occipital dislocation

Atlantooccipital dislocation (AOD) is a result of an injury to the ligamentous complex connecting the atlas bone and the occipital bone of the head.

According to the clinical picture, we divide patients into 2 groups:

1. Without a significant neurological lesion (CAVE: overlooked injury),
2. With a severe deficit and impaired vital functions.
   

   Types of atlanto-occipital dislocations

The graphic examination consists of:

• X-ray of the craniocervical junction in the transoral projection and the lateral projection (standard anteroposterior CC does not show the transition due to summation with the lower jaw), * CT, or MRI.

Therapy: A fundamental contraindication is a traction in the longitudinal direction!

• The surgical solution includes occipitocervical fusion through a posterior approach and then 3 months of fixation in a Philadelphia collar (general rule after a surgical solution of cervical spine injuries),
• A conservative option is several months of immobilization in a light vest.

Links

External links

• Mefanet: http://mefanet.lfp.cuni.cz/clanky.php?aid=328, Poranění páteře
• PubMed: Atlanto-occipital dislocation

References

• SAMEŠ, M, et al. Neurochirurgie. 1. edition. Praha : Jessenius Maxdorf, 2005. ISBN 80-7345-072-0.