title: Atlas fractures: treatment and long-term results.
abstract: Fractures of the first cervical vertebra (C1) represent approximately 7% of all acute cervical spine fractures. Frequently, the atlas will be fractured in combination with the axis (44% of cases). Treatment of isolated C1 fractures should be governed by the rules of Spence. The treatment of combination C1-C2 fractures is dictated by the type and severity of the C2 fracture. Experience with 57 cases of acute traumatic atlas fractures are reviewed. The long-term outcome from an atlas fracture is good (median follow-up, 40 months).
authors.affiliation: Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona.
authors.forename: V K
authors.initials: VK
authors.lastname: Sonntag
authors.forename: M N
authors.initials: MN
authors.lastname: Hadley
authors.forename: C A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Dickman
authors.forename: C M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Browner
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001368:Axis, Cervical Vertebra / Q000293:injuries; D001270:Cervical Atlas / Q000293:injuries*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007103:Immobilization; D008875:Middle Aged; D009984:Orthopedic Fixation Devices; D013123:Spinal Fusion; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed