Lower cranial nerve palsies. Potentially lethal in association with upper cervical fracture-dislocations.
Palsies of the lower cranial nerves occurred in association with traumatic atlantoaxial dissociations in two patients. The fracture-dislocations sustained were rare injuries and the neurologic complications contributed greatly to their morbidity and mortality.
Hammer
A J
AJ
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Natal Medical School, Congella, South Africa.
D000328:Adult; D001268:Atlanto-Axial Joint / Q000293:injuries*; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*; D020209:Cranial Nerve Injuries; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000150:complications*; D011015:Pneumonia, Aspiration / Q000209:etiology; D011859:Radiography; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000150:complications*; D014826:Vocal Cord Paralysis / Q000150:complications / Q000209:etiology