Frequency and significance of fractures of the upper cervical spine detected by CT in patients with severe neck trauma.

Abstract

CT of the craniocervical junction revealed an 8% frequency of fractures of the occipital condyle and C1-C2 that were undetected on the cross-table lateral cervical spine radiographs. Fractures occurred in greater numbers than expected, and all surviving patients were stabilized with a halo. This experience shows that CT is an efficient method of evaluating patients in whom the standard open-mouth radiograph of the odontoid cannot be done.