The pathological anatomy of fatal atlanto-occipital dislocations.
Nine atlanto-occipital dislocations were found in postmortem examinations of 112 victims of multiple trauma. Axial traction facilitated roentgenographic identification of the injury. A hyperextension mechanism of injury was suggested by the associated injuries, including submental lacerations and mandibular fractures. Atlanto-occipital dislocations were more frequent in children than in adults. A pure dislocation injury without fracture was identified.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001269:Atlanto-Occipital Joint / Q000293:injuries* / Q000473:pathology; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D001933:Brain Stem / Q000293:injuries; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000473:pathology; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D013124:Spinal Injuries / Q000473:pathology