ABSTRACT
I INTRODUCTION Fractures of the atlas comprise approximately 2% of all total spinal injuries, 10% of all injuries to the cervical spine, and 25% of all injuries to the atlantoaxial complex (1-4). Whereas most isolated fractures have a favorable prognosis and require only conservative treatment, more aggressive treatment is indicated if there is accompanying atlantoaxial instability. The goals of treatment are achieving bony healing and maintaining atlantoaxial stability. The importance of an anatomical reduction of the lateral masses and the possibility of late-onset C1-C2 arthritis with neck pain is still unclear.
