Atlas fracture
Epidemiology
Classification
Pathophysiology
mechanism
includes hyperextension, lateral compression, and axial compression
Associated conditions
Treatment
Outcome
Stability dependent on degree of injury and healing potential of transverse ligament.
Case report
A 4-year-old child in whom a penetrating trauma to an immature atlas led to an unusual disjunction of the posterior synchondrosis with atlas fracture displacement of the posterior “hemiarch” that plunged into the dura, resulting in a cerebrospinal fluid fistula.
Praneeth et al. discussed the possible mechanism and considerations in the management of this unique presentation. Such an atypical fracture pattern involving the posterior hemi ring of the pediatric atlas is previously unknown 1).
References
1)
Praneeth K, Karthigeyan M, Salunke P, Ray N. Synchondral Fracture of the Posterior “Hemiarch” of Pediatric Atlas with Cerebrospinal Fluid Fistula following a Penetrating Neck Injury. Pediatr Neurosurg. 2019 Oct 10:1-4. doi: 10.1159/000503109. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 31600753.