Two cases of fatal atlantoaxial distraction injury without fracture or rotation.
Atlantoaxial injuries, regardless of mechanism, typically result in bony injury. We present two unusual cases of fatal traumatic C-1-C-2 distraction without associated fracture or rotation. The ligamentous anatomy, common underlying structural/medical predispositions, and the possible mechanism of injury are discussed.
Silbergeld
D L
DL
Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle 98195.
Laohaprasit
V
V
Grady
M S
MS
Anderson
P A
PA
Winn
H R
HR
D000328:Adult; D001268:Atlanto-Axial Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries* / Q000503:physiopathology; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008297:Male; D011859:Radiography; D012399:Rotation; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014711:Vertebral Artery / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*