Occipital Condyle Fracture
| ICD-9 |
Classification / Treatment |
| Etiology / Epidemiology / Natural History |
Associated Injuries / Differential Diagnosis |
| Anatomy |
Complications |
| Clinical Evaluation |
Follow-up Care |
| Xray / Diagnositc Tests |
Review References |
synonyms:
ICD-9
Etiology / Epidemiology / Natural History
Anatomy
Clinical Evaluation
- Palpate entire spine for tenderness / step off.
- Complete neuro exam: motor strength, pin-prick sensation, reflexes, cranial nerves, rectal examination (perineal pin-prick sensation, sphincter tone, volitional spincter control)
- Absence of the bulbocaverosus reflex indicates spinal shock. Level of spinal injury can not be determined until bulbocaverosus reflex has returned.
- See ASIA form.
Xray / Diagnositc Tests
-
- A/P, Lateral, Odontoid: difficult to see on plain films.
- CT cervical spine: indicated for any patient suspected of occipital condyle fracture, especially to evaluated for associated injuries / occiputalcervical dissociation.
- MRI: indicated for neuro deficit, suspicious of instability or HNP, pre-op evaluation
Classification / Treatment
- Nondisplacec / impaction / unilateral
-Treatment = orthosis x 6-12 weeks
- Displaced / avulsion / bilateral
-Treatment = halo vest of surgical stabilization
Associated Injuries / Differential Diagnosis
- Head injury
- Skull base fracutres
- Lower cranial nerve palsies (CN12)
- Upper cervical spine injuries
Complications
Follow-up Care
Review References
- Hanson JA, AJR Am J Roentgenol 2002;178:1262
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