Occipital Condyle Fracture S02.113A

 

synonyms:

Occipital Condyle Fracture ICD-10

Occipital Condyle Fracture Etiology / Epidemiology / Natural History

  • High energy trauma

Occipital Condyle Fracture Anatomy

    Occipital Condyle Fracture Clinical Evaluation

    • Palpate entire spine for tenderness / step off.
    • Complete neuro exam: motor strength, pin-prick sensation, reflexes, cranial nerves, rectal examination (perineal pin-prick sensation, sphincter tone, volitional spincter control)
    • Absence of the bulbocaverosus reflex indicates spinal shock. Level of spinal injury can not be determined until bulbocaverosus reflex has returned.

    Occipital Condyle Fracture Xray / Diagnositc Tests

    • A/P, Lateral, Odontoid: difficult to see on plain films.
    • CT cervical spine: indicated for any patient suspected of occipital condyle fracture, especially to evaluated for associated injuries / occiputalcervical dissociation.
    • MRI: indicated for neuro deficit, suspicious of instability or HNP, pre-op evaluation

    Occipital Condyle Fracture Classification / Treatment

    • Nondisplacec / impaction / unilateral
      -Treatment = orthosis x 6-12 weeks
    • Displaced / avulsion / bilateral
      -Treatment = halo vest of surgical stabilization

    Occipital Condyle Fracture Associated Injuries / Differential Diagnosis

    • Head injury
    • Skull base fracutres
    • Lower cranial nerve palsies (CN12)
    • Upper cervical spine injuries

    Occipital Condyle Fracture Complications

    Occipital Condyle Fracture Follow-up Care

    Occipital Condyle Fracture Review References

    • Hanson JA, AJR Am J Roentgenol 2002;178:1262
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