Traumatic posterior atlantooccipital dislocation with Jefferson and occipital condyle fractures: A case report

Abstract

RATIONALE: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on a case of a traumatic posterior atlantooccipital dislocation (AOD) with 3-part Jefferson and occipital condyle fractures. PATIENT CONCERNS: We report the case of a 60-year-old male with posterior AOD with 3-part Jefferson fracture and fracture of right occipital condyle. This injury occurred as a result of rolling down from a mountain. The patient complained of severe neck pain showing bony tenderness and ecchymosis in the high cervical area but did not show any neurologic abnormalities. DIAGNOSES: Reconstructed computed tomography scans clearly demonstrated a 3-part Jefferson fracture and fracture of right occipital condyle, and posteriorly displaced occiput with respect to the anterior arch of C1 and dens of C2. INTERVENTION: We planned to perform occipitocervical fusion; however, the patient refused treatment. He was transferred to another hospital and lost to follow-up. OUTCOMES: Although extremely rare, patient who had posterior AOD with 3-part Jefferson and occipital condyle fractures can survive without neurological compromise, as was observed in our patient. LESSONS: Clinical suspicion with thorough radiographic and physical examinations are very important for diagnosing of the upper cervical spine injuries such as AOD with Jefferson and occipital condyle fractures.