VERTEBRAL ARTERY INJURY ASSOCIATED WITH A JEFFERSON FRACTURE

Background: The evaluation and treatment of Jefferson fractures, a bur st fracture of the ring of C1, has been well documented in the medical literature. Vertebral artery injury associated with a Jefferson fract ure is very rare. Methods: The case study technique was used to summar ize the case. Review of the literature was performed to discuss the ca se. Retrospective chart review of the 174 patients with cervical fract ures admitted to St. Michael's Hospital from 1989-1994 was also perfor med, Results: The case of a patient with a Jefferson fracture, with bi lateral lateral displacement of the lateral masses causing bilateral v ertebral artery occlusions resulting in a lateral medullary and cerebe llar infarction is reported. A review of the literature is provided. C onclusion: A high index of suspicion for this injury is paramount, esp ecially in patients with multiple trauma, where the diagnosis of Jeffe rson fractures can be delayed.