Computed tomography and three-dimensional reconstruction in the evaluation of occipital condyle fracture.

Abstract

Two cases of a rare Anderson type III occipital condyle fracture are presented. In any patient sustaining craniovertebral injury an occipital condyle fracture may be missed because plain films can be unremarkable. It is important to include computed tomography or coronal hypocycloidal tomography for all suspect cases of craniovertebral junction injury. Although three-dimensional reconstruction did not alter therapy for this injury, spatial localization of the fracture fragment was enhanced by this method. Serious neurological deficits are possible if this unusual injury is not treated.