Atlas Fractures and TAL injury

Question 1

What is the most important structure to determine stability in atlas fractures?

Answer 1

Condition of transverse alar ligament

Question 2

What two radiographic parameters are observed in atlas fractures to assess stability of TAL?

Answer 2

Atlanto-dens interval (ADI)

Question 3

How are atlas fractures treated?

Answer 3

If stable cervical collar or halo for 6-12 weeks
Unstable Type II (Jefferson’s) and Type III (lateral mass) are treated with C1-C2 posterior fusion vs occipitocervical fusion