title: Traumatic atlanto-occipital dislocation with survival: case report and review.
abstract: Traumatic atlanto-occipital (A-O) dislocation is a rare injury that is associated with a high mortality rate. We are presenting the case of a 5-year-old child with this entity to illustrate the mechanism of injury, the often-confusing clinical picture, and the use of diaphragmatic fluoroscopy to localize the neurological lesion. We suggest using plain lateral roentgenograms, anteroposterior tomograms, and a cervical computed tomographic scan to confirm the diagnosis of A-O dislocation. We strongly favor using the halo apparatus for immediate immobilization and posterior occipitoatlantoaxial fusion for long term stability. The various diagnostic radiographic criteria for A-O dislocation are compared and discussed.
mesh_terms: D001269:Atlanto-Occipital Joint / Q000293:injuries*; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000209:etiology; D001933:Brain Stem / Q000293:injuries; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005471:Fluoroscopy; D006801:Humans; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D010243:Paralysis / Q000209:etiology; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000209:etiology; D014056:Tomography, X-Ray