Complete recovery following atlantoaxial fracture-dislocation with bilateral carotid and vertebral artery injury

Abstract

A patient sustained a flexion-distraction injury with atlantoaxial dislocation and traumatic dissection of the carotid and vertebral arteries bilaterally. Difficulties in management including fracture reduction and stabilization, avoidance of further vascular injury and preservation of neural function are discussed.

Key words:

• Cervical spine
• cervical vascular injury
• fusion
• trauma