Horizontal fracture of the atlas – A rare but unstable C1 fracture

Abstract

Horizontal fractures of the atlas are uncommon fractures associated with instability of the craniocervical junction. Most commonly associated with high-speed motor vehicle accidents, these fractures need to be identified and treated appropriately. Due to its relatively benign presentation on bony imaging, magnetic resonance imaging to look for ligamentous instability is important. We present two such cases which were managed by occipitocervical fusion at our institute.

Keywords

• c1 fracture
• craniovertebral junction
• horizontal fracture
• occipitocervical fusion
• unstable