Survival after concurrent traumatic dislocation of the atlanto-occipital and atlanto-axial joints: a case report and review of the literature.
METHODS
A case report of a patient who survived a traumatic disassociation of both atlanto-occipital and atlantoaxial joints. OBJECTIVE.: To describe a rare case of concurrent atlanto-occipital and atlantoaxial dislocation with a review of the related literature regarding occipitocervical dislocation.


BACKGROUND
Cases of isolated atlanto-occipital or atlantoaxial dislocation have typically resulted in death or devastating neurologic deficit. Survival after the simultaneous dislocation at both joints is extremely rare.


METHODS
The initial evaluation, subsequent management, and surgical treatment of a 25-year-old male who sustained a concurrent dislocation of the atlantoaxial and atlanto-occipital joints from a motor vehicle collision are reported and the related literature is discussed.


RESULTS
The patient was transferred to our hospital after initial stabilization according to Emergency Medical Service criteria and management based on the Advanced Trauma Life Support protocol. A complete (ASIA A) spinal cord injury was diagnosed on admission. Radiographic evaluation revealed dislocations of the atlanto-occipital and atlantoaxial joints. Subsequently, the patient underwent surgical stabilization with instrumented posterior fusion from the occiput to C5. Intraoperatively, traumatic pseudomeningocele was diagnosed and repaired with pericranial autograft. The vital function parameters currently remain stable, but the patient is ventilator-dependent and did not regain motor or sensory function.


CONCLUSIONS
The rapid response time of emergency medical services and stabilization according to the Advanced Trauma Life Support protocol now lead to the survival of patients with significant deficit from occipitocervical injuries. A high index of suspicion is required to appropriately manage a patient with this devastating injury in order to maximize the chance for survival.
Kleweno
Conor P
CP
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Neurosurgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
Zampini
Jay M
JM
White
Andrew P
AP
Kasper
Ekkehard M
EM
McGuire
Kevin J
KJ
D000063:Accidents, Traffic; D000328:Adult; D001268:Atlanto-Axial Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D001269:Atlanto-Occipital Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D009104:Multiple Trauma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D011859:Radiography; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D013534:Survival