Fracture and Dislocation of the Upper Cervical Spine: A Review of 42 Cases

ABSTRACT

This review of high cervical spine injuries includes patients admitted to Paik Hospital, Seoul during the period 1981 to 1990. 250 patients had cervical fractures or instability. 42 had involvement of the high cervical spinal column and 13 had neurological deficits. 20 had odontoid fracture. Patients with combination C1-2 fracture-subluxation injuries should be studied with thin section computed tomogram or conventional tomogram. Appropriate treatment is determined by the type of axis fracture and includes surgical and nonsurgical strategies. An experience with 42 patients with high cervical fracture and dislocation is presented as management and follow-up guidelines are reviewed.