{"id":"9b82e170-f242-4b80-9f3f-25bbdf4970b1","slug":"occipital-condyle-fracture-caused-by-minor-head-trauma","title":"Occipital condyle fracture caused by minor head trauma","authors":["Seiya Hayashi","Michiari Umakoshi","Masatoshi Yunoki","Koji Hirashita"],"abstract":"Background: Occipital condyle fractures (OCF) are commonly identified in patients suffering from severe craniocerebral trauma. Here, we present a 57-year-old male whose computed tomography (CT)-documented atlanto-occipital dislocation (AOD), due to just minor trauma was successfully managed with bracing alone. Case Description: A 57-year-old male presented with the right upper neck pain following a motor vehicle accident. The screening cervical CT scan revealed a fracture of the right occipital condyle, while the subsequent dynamic X-rays showed no instability or AOD. The patient was treated with a hard cervical collar, and over the next 6 months, remained asymptomatic. The 6-month repeat craniocervical CT scan additionally confirmed spontaneous fusion at the fracture site. Conclusion: Patients who have sustained even mild craniocervical trauma may develop AOD attributed to an OCF. It is critical to screen these patients early with CT and X-ray studies so they can be successfully managed with bracing alone, and avoid the need for surgery to address the delayed onset of instability.","thumbnailUrl":"https://sni-digital-videos.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/9b82e170-f242-4b80-9f3f-25bbdf4970b1/featured/hero-1781560664983.png","publishDate":"2022-12-09T00:00:00.000Z","doi":"10.25259/SNI_1033_2022","categories":["Spine","Image Report"],"fullTextUrl":"https://surgicalneurologyint.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/12048/SNI-13-575.pdf"}