Occipital Condyle Fracture

synonyms:

Occipital Condyle Fracture ICD-9

Occipital Condyle Fracture Etiology / Epidemiology / Natural History

• High energy trauma

Occipital Condyle Fracture Anatomy

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Occipital Condyle Fracture 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.

Occipital Condyle Fracture 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

Occipital Condyle Fracture Classification / Treatment

• Nondisplacec / impaction / unilateral
  -Treatment = orthosis x 6-12 weeks
• Displaced / avulsion / bilateral
  -Treatment = halo vest of surgical stabilization

Occipital Condyle Fracture Associated Injuries / Differential Diagnosis

• Head injury
• Skull base fracutres
• Lower cranial nerve palsies (CN12)
• Upper cervical spine injuries

Occipital Condyle Fracture Complications

Occipital Condyle Fracture Follow-up Care

Occipital Condyle Fracture Review References

• Hanson JA, AJR Am J Roentgenol 2002;178:1262
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