Unilateral avulsion fracture of the transverse atlantal ligament: successful treatment in a rigid cervical collar.
A 34-year-old male sustained a unilateral avulsion fracture through the origin of the transverse atlantal ligament following a road traffic accident. This was successfully treated in a rigid neck collar for 8 weeks. Injuries to the transverse atlantal ligament are often associated with significant bony injury and atlanto-axial instability. Isolated injuries to the transverse ligament are extremely rare and the present case suggests that a trial of conservative management may be worth pursuing.
Pennington
Richard G C
RG
Department of Neurosurgery, Charing Cross Hospital, Fulham Palace Road, London, UK.
Gnanalingham
K K
KK
Van Dellen
J R
JR
D000063:Accidents, Traffic; D000328:Adult; D001268:Atlanto-Axial Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*; D001915:Braces; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008023:Ligaments, Articular / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*; D008297:Male; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods