SUBDENTAL SYNCHONDROSIS FRACTURE IN CHILDREN - THE VALUE OF 3-DIMENSIONAL COMPUTERIZED-TOMOGRAPHY

A case is presented illustrating the usefulness of computerized tomogr aphy (CT) with 3-dimensional (3-D) reconstruction for evaluation of a subdental synchondrosis fracture in a child. Odontoid fractures in chi ldren less than 7 years of age occur at the subdental synchondrosis an d are typically diagnosed with plain x-rays. However, a delay in diagn osis is common as these injuries may not be appreciated on initial roe ntgenographic evaluation. The authors present a case of a 2-year-old b oy with a subdental synchondrosis fracture secondary to trauma. In thi s patient, plain x-ray and conventional axial CT failed to definitivel y elucidate the child's injuries; however, the use of CT with 3-D reco nstruction fully delineated the injury, The use of CT with 3-D reconst ruction in evaluating children with subdental synchondrosis fractures is a valuable tool for diagnosis. The treatment of synchondrosis fract ures of the odontoid process in children is immobilization of the cerv ical spine.