Transverse Atlantal Ligament Disruption Associated With Odontoid Fractures

Department

neurosurgery

Document Type

Article

Abstract

Objectives. The authors evaluated transverse atlantal ligament integrity in patients with fractures of the odontoid process of the axis. Summary of Background Data. Injuries of the transverse atlantal ligament can result in atlantoaxial instability after fractures of the atlas or axis, even if osseous healing occurs. Methods. The clinical histories and follow-up examinations and radiographic data of 30 patients with odontoid fractures were reviewed, using a combination of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, thin-cut computed tomography (CT), and plain radiographs to evaluate osseous and ligamentous injuries. Results and Conclusions. Osteoperiosteal ligamentous avulsion injuries were identified on MR imaging in three patients and were associated with acute and delayed instability and nonunion. The combination of MR imaging, CT, and plain radiographs is useful in evaluating unstable odontoid fractures to facilitate rational treatment planning. Odontoid fractures with transverse ligament injuries should be considered for early surgical stabilization because this combination of injuries is unlikely to heal nonoperatively. Anterior odontoid screw fixation should be avoided when the ligament is injured. © 1994, J.B. Lippincott Company.

Publication Date

1994

Publication Title

Spine

ISSN

0362-2436

Volume

19

Issue

20

First Page

2307

Last Page

2314

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1097/00007632-199410150-00010

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