Spontaneous Fractures in the Setting of Extensive Craniocervical Pneumatization: Case Report and Literature Review.

BACKGROUND: Cranial pneumatization in humans is normally confined to the paranasal sinuses and the petrous and mastoid parts of the temporal bones. CASE DESCRIPTION: We present a case of left-sided fractures of the occipital condyle and lateral mass of the atlas in the setting of extensive craniocervical pneumatization but in the absence of trauma, with a resulting unilateral hypoglossal nerve palsy. CONCLUSIONS: We discussed the possible etiology of this rare disease, its management, and prognosis.