OCFs — Rare but Commonly Associated With Intracranial Injury

Background: Occipital condyle fractures (OCFs) are classified using the Anderson and Montesano system as Type I (comminuted, minimally displaced), Type II (stable, associated with basilar skull fractures), and Type III (unstable avulsion fractures). This classification assists in precise diagnosis and management of these injuries. Objective: To determine the incidence and imaging characteristics of OCFs in patients with spine trauma and to evaluate associated intracranial, visceral, and spinal injuries. Design: 7-year retrospective review of CT brain and cervical spine reports. Methods: Variables collected included age, gender, clinical presentation, associated brain and cervical spine injuries, treatment, and OCF classification. Results: 24,986 patients were evaluated, of whom, only 0.25% had OCFs. Among these, 34.9% were asymptomatic. Concurrent injuries included cervical spine fractures in 33.3% (primarily at C1 and C2) and intracranial injuries in 47.6%, most commonly subarachnoi more...