STUDY DESIGN: Case report and clinical discussion. OBJECTIVE: We intend to report a unique case of a atlantoaxial dislocation with a odontoid and C2 superior articular facet fracture. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Traumatic dislocation of the atlantoaxial joint in combination with a C2 fracture is a rare injury. Only 5 cases have been reported in the literature. METHODS: We present a case of a 43-year-old man with a primary atlantoaxial complex dislocation associated with an odontoid and comminuted C2 superior articular facet fracture with complete recovery of an accompanying hemiplegia after reduction. RESULTS: The patient underwent gentle traction with a halo frame until a complete reduction was achieved within 3 days, after which a vest was installed. His neurologic status improved to a slight weakness of the right shoulder in abduction (Grade 4/5) after 4 months and his C2 fracture healed in an acceptable position. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this is the first case of a traumatic atlantoaxial rotatory dislocation with accompanying odontoid and C2 superior articular facet fracture.
STUDY DESIGN: Case report and clinical discussion. OBJECTIVE: We intend to report a unique case of a atlantoaxial dislocation with a odontoid and C2 superior articular facet fracture. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Traumatic dislocation of the atlantoaxial joint in combination with a C2 fracture is a rare injury. Only 5 cases have been reported in the literature. METHODS: We present a case of a 43-year-old man with a primary atlantoaxial complex dislocation associated with an odontoid and comminuted C2 superior articular facet fracture with complete recovery of an accompanying hemiplegia after reduction. RESULTS: The patient underwent gentle traction with a halo frame until a complete reduction was achieved within 3 days, after which a vest was installed. His neurologic status improved to a slight weakness of the right shoulder in abduction (Grade 4/5) after 4 months and his C2 fracture healed in an acceptable position. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this is the first case of a traumatic atlantoaxial rotatory dislocation with accompanying odontoid and C2 superior articular facet fracture.
Authors: Christina Ng; Jose F Dominguez; Eric Feldstein; John K Houten; Eris Spirollari; Chirag D Gandhi; Chad D Cole; Merritt D Kinon Journal: Spinal Cord Ser Cases Date: 2021-12-03
Authors: Christopher F Dibble; Saad Javeed; Justin K Zhang; Brenton Pennicooke; Wilson Z Ray; Camilo Molina Journal: J Neurosurg Case Lessons Date: 2021-10-11