[Fractures of the upper cervical spine--indications for treatment].
Over 2 years, 16 patients with a total of 23 lesions of the craniovertebral junction and the upper cervical spine were treated. Clinically important aspects of diagnosis and classification are outlined. The conditions treated included fractures of the occipital condyle and atlas, dens-axis, and hanged-man fractures. Standard operative treatment, which has to be modified in cases of combined injuries, is presented. Surgery is frequently indicated, especially in elderly and polytraumatized patients. In addition, 2 cases of atlanto-occipital dislocation are described: 1 of these patients survived for 5 days after early atlanto-occipital fusion.
Klinik für Unfall-, Hand- und Plastische Chirurgie, Zentralkrankenhaus Reinkenheide Bremerhaven.
H
H
Seiler
W
W
Hackstein
L P
LP
Graf
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001269:Atlanto-Occipital Joint / Q000293:injuries; D001368:Axis, Cervical Vertebra / Q000293:injuries; D001270:Cervical Atlas / Q000293:injuries; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000293:injuries*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009104:Multiple Trauma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery; D011859:Radiography; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery*; D013123:Spinal Fusion; D013124:Spinal Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery*; D015996:Survival Rate