Traumatic Atlantoaxial Unifacetal Joint Dislocation Associated with Fractures of Ipsilateral C2 Body and Contralateral Pars / 대한정형외과학회잡지

ABSTRACT

The traumatic C1-C2 unifacetal joint dislocation associated with oblique fractures of the C2 body and arch is a rare injury that can be effectively treated with gentle closed reduction under fluoroscopic guidance followed by halo vest immobilization. To our knowledge, however, there are only a few reported cases of this injury. Recognition of associated conditions including vertebral artery compromise, concomitant cervical spine fractures, and life-threatening injuries is paramount to the successful treatment of these patients. A 29-year-old patient, who presented a unifacetal dislocation at C1-C2 with associated oblique fractures of the C2 body and arch, is reported. Closed reduction with Gardner-Wells tong and halo vest application was performed. After 3 months of application of halo vest, the fractures of C2 body and arch had the complete union and the C1-2 dislocation had the good reduction. He had no pain and discomfort in his neck for about 2 years after halo vest removal.