Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment of 43 Cases of Occipital Condylar Fractures: A Single-Center Retrospective Study.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the mechanism of occipital condyle fractures (OCFs), their clinical symptoms, computer tomography (CT) scan findings, treatment options, and classification. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 43 patients with OCFs who were admitted to our neurosurgery center between 2017 and 2023. RESULTS: The investigation covered their clinical symptoms, CT scan results, and treatment outcomes. It was found that 25.6% of the patients suffered from severe craniocerebral injuries with Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores of 3-8 points, 9.3% had moderate injuries with GCS scores of 9-12 points, and 65.1% exhibited mild injuries with GCS scores of 13-15 points. Of these patients, 90.7% showed improvement upon discharge, 4.7% succumbed to their injuries, and another 4.7% developed paraplegia. Symptoms indicative of OCF in individuals with CCJ injuries included neck pain, swelling, cranial nerve palsy, and posterior pharyngeal wall swelling. Frequently observed complications in OCF patients included cerebral contusion, occipital bone fractures, and skull base fractures. Employing thin-layer CT scans of the CCJ area, along with sagittal and coronal CT reconstructions, is essential for identifying OCFs. The fractures were classified into 3 types based on the Anderson-Montesano classification, which, when modified, provides enhanced treatment guidance. CONCLUSIONS: OCFs are predominantly present in cases of high-energy trauma, with high-resolution thin-layer CT scans serving as the preferred diagnostic method. The application of the modified Anderson-Montesano classification, distinguishing between stable and unstable fractures, facilitates the determination of suitable treatment strategies. Stable OCFs can be managed using a rigid neck brace, while unstable OCFs may require Halo-vest frame fixation or surgical intervention.