Occipital condyle fractures

Neurosurgery. 2010 Mar;66(3 Suppl):56-9. doi: 10.1227/01.NEU.0000365751.84075.66.

Abstract

Objective: The anatomy, clinical presentation, radiologic evaluation, treatment, and outcome of occipital condyle fractures are reviewed.

Methods: We review and discuss the literature on occipital condyle fractures.

Results: Occipital condyle fractures are best diagnosed with computed tomography. The neurologic presentation is variable. The majority of these injuries may be treated nonoperatively, but an occipitocervical fusion is necessary to restore stability across the craniovertebral junction.

Conclusion: Occipital condyle fractures are a rare but serious injury that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Atlanto-Occipital Joint / diagnostic imaging*
  • Atlanto-Occipital Joint / injuries*
  • Atlanto-Occipital Joint / pathology
  • Braces / standards
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • External Fixators / standards
  • Humans
  • Joint Instability / diagnostic imaging*
  • Joint Instability / pathology
  • Joint Instability / physiopathology
  • Ligaments / diagnostic imaging
  • Ligaments / injuries
  • Ligaments / pathology
  • Occipital Bone / diagnostic imaging*
  • Occipital Bone / injuries*
  • Occipital Bone / pathology
  • Skull Fracture, Basilar / diagnostic imaging*
  • Skull Fracture, Basilar / pathology
  • Skull Fracture, Basilar / therapy
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed