LONGITUDINAL ATLANTOAXIAL DISLOCATION WITH TYPE-III ODONTOID FRACTURE- CASE-REPORT AND REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

Odontoid fractures are a common traumatic upper cervical spine injury. Treatment of Type III odontoid fractures includes skeletal traction f or realignment and halo vest immobilization. The authors report an unu sual case of severe atlantoaxial ligamentous disruption accompanying a traumatic Type III odontoid fracture. Five pounds of skeletal tractio n was associated with marked neurological deterioration from unanticip ated longitudinal instability. Radiographic findings were identified t hat were suggestive of extensive ligamentous disruption. Recommendatio ns for individualized patient management are given in the context of r elated literature.