Upper Cervical Spine Trauma: WFNS Spine Committee Recommendations

Abstract

Craniovertebral junction (CVJ) trauma is a challenging clinical condition. Being a highly mobile functional unit at the junction of the skull and the vertebral column, traumatic events in this area may produce devastating neurological complications and death. Additionally, many of the CVJ traumatic injuries can be left undiagnosed or even raise difficult treatment dilemmas. We present a literature review in the format of recommendations on the diagnosis and management of different scenarios for upper cervical trauma and produce recommendations, which can be applicable to various areas of the globe.

Keywords

• cervical spine trauma
• craniovertebral junction
• odontoid fractures
• atlas fracture
• atlantoaxial dislocation