Journal of Computer Assisted Tomography · 1992 · 32 citations · 0 references
MedicineOrthopedic SurgerySurgeryCraniofacial DevelopmentCraniofacial SurgeryMaxillofacial ImagingCongenital Cranial AnomaliesCongenital Craniofacial AnomaliesCongenital Skull DefectsCraniofacial AnomaliesDevelopmental Anomaly ImagingSkull FracturesAtlas FractureCongenital Lateral Neck MassesCraniocervical Junction AbnormalitiesCraniocervical Junction ImagingDifferentiationPediatric Skull FracturesTomography
Anterior atlas clefts (AACs) are rare developmental variants that may mimic fractures. Due to the potential severe implications of craniocervical junction trauma, expeditious differentiation between a Jefferson burst fracture and a congenital cleft is essential in trauma patients. Three cases of AAC are presented. Two cases demonstrated incidental AACs; the third case was associated with a Jefferson burst injury. Computed tomography is most helpful in evaluating the integrity of the atlas; however, plain radiography or pluridirectional tomography are best for evaluating displacement of the lateral masses of C1 in relation to C2.