Fracture of the occipital condyle caused by minor trauma in child.

ABSTRACT

We report a case of fractured occipital condyle caused by minor trauma accompanied by light pain on palpation at the lateral cervical trigonum. A 15-year-old boy complained of nuchal pain, particularly pain on palpation at the left lateral cervical trigonum in the absence of neurologic deficits after head deceleration trauma. Computed tomography demonstrated a unilateral nonluxated fracture of the occipital condyle. Owing to consequent immobilization by means of cervical orthosis, pain disappeared after the first 48 hours. Follow-up examination 4 weeks later showed no neurologic deficits. The boy had no severe impairment of movements at the cervical spine.