Occipital condyle fractures.

Abstract

There is insufficient evidence to support diagnostic standards. Computed tomographic imaging is recommended for establishing the diagnosis of occipital condyle fractures. Clinical suspicion should be raised by the presence of one or more of the following criteria: blunt trauma patients sustaining high-energy craniocervical injuries, altered consciousness, occipital pain or tenderness, impaired cervical motion, lower cranial nerve paresis, or retropharyngeal soft tissue swelling. Magnetic resonance imaging is recommended to assess the integrity of the craniocervical ligaments. There is insufficient evidence to support treatment standards. There is insufficient evidence to support treatment guidelines. Treatment with external cervical immobilization is recommended.