Fractures of the occipital condyles: report of four cases and review of the literature.

Abstract

Fractures of the occipital condyle are rare; 32 cases have been reported in the literature. Here, the authors describe four additional cases of occipital condylar fracture. Anderson's classification is used: type I fracture: comminution of the condyle without significant displacement; type II: basilar fracture extending into the condyle; type III: condylar avulsion. The possible mechanisms are identified. Computed tomography proved essential in diagnosing these fractures; coronal reconstructions together with axial scans are particularly helpful. Three-dimensional reconstruction did not prove essential in diagnosing these fractures.