Traumatic Posterior Atlantoaxial Dislocation without Fracture of the Odontoid Process: A Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

Traumatic posterior atlantoaxial dislocation without odontoid fracture is very rare. Patient prognosis depends on the neurologic symptoms or the extent of damage to the structures. In this case, a 78-year-old-male suffered a posterior atlantoaxial dislocation without odontoid fracture after a traffic accident. We report this case because an exact diagnosis and proper treatment can reduce the neurologic complications in patients with posterior atlantoaxial dislocation.

Keywords

• atlantoaxial dislocation
• posterior
• transverse ligament
• multimodal imaging