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.Atlanto-occipital dislocation.png

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.