Radiology Resident Case of the Week
Etiology/Pathophysiology:
Jefferson fractures result from an axial compressive force applied to the skull with the head erect.
Pathology:
nothing
Miscellaneous:
nothing
Imaging:
The lateral view demonstrates radiolucent line in posterior arc of C1. Atlanto-axial distance measures 6mm. The open-mouth radiograph shows bony fragment to the left of the odontoid process. There is no offset in the position of the lateral borders of the lateral masses of the atlas and axis. CT demonstrates C1 fracture involving left anterior arc and right posterior arc. small fragment is noted postero medially to the fracture site of anterior arc.
DDx:
nothing
Key references:
Resnick; Bone and joint disease.
ACR Code:
Keywords: