occipito atlantal dislocation

Atlanto Occipital Dislocation

Epidemiology

 

Deadly & rare

- usually post mortem

 

More common in children due to

- immature joints 

- larger head to body ratio

- relative ligamentous laxity

 

Aetiology

 

High velocity trauma

- MVA

 

Mechanism

- hyperextension, distraction & rotation

 

Types

 

Pure ligament injury usually