Management of acute traumatic atlas fractures

J Spinal Disord Tech. 2005 Oct;18(5):402-5. doi: 10.1097/01.bsd.0000177959.49721.3b.

Abstract

Objective: A prospective review of a clinical series was performed. The treatment features of atlas fractures with and without associated axis injuries were investigated.

Methods: Twenty-nine patients were investigated.

Results: No displaced fractures were treated with a cervical orthosis. Patients with displaced fractures were managed with a halo vest immobilization; 96.4% patients had a solid fusion at their last follow-up evaluations.

Conclusions: Isolated not displaced or combined with not displaced axis fractures atlas fractures can be treated effectively with a rigid cervical collar alone. Isolated displaced fractures or not displaced but with concurrent displaced axis fractures require immobilization by the halo vest.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Algorithms
  • Cervical Atlas / injuries*
  • Decision Trees
  • Female
  • Fracture Fixation*
  • Fracture Healing*
  • Fractures, Bone / diagnostic imaging*
  • Fractures, Bone / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Orthopedic Fixation Devices
  • Radiography
  • Treatment Outcome