Occipital Condyle Fractures

Publication Date: March 1, 2013
Last Updated: March 14, 2022

RECOMMENDATIONS

Diagnostic

Computed tomographic (CT) imaging is recommended to establish the diagnosis of occipital condyle fractures (OCFs). (Level II)
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Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is recommended to assess the integrity of the craniocervical ligaments. (Level III)
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Treatment

External cervical immobilization is recommended for all types of OCFs. More rigid external immobilization in a halo vest device should be considered for bilateral OCF. (Level III)
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Halo vest immobilization or occipitocervical stabilization and fusion are recommended for injuries with associated atlanto occipital ligamentous injury or evidence of instability. (Level III)
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Recommendation Grading

Overview

Title

Occipital Condyle Fractures

Authoring Organization

Publication Month/Year

March 1, 2013

Last Updated Month/Year

August 22, 2023

Supplemental Implementation Tools

Document Type

Guideline

External Publication Status

Published

Country of Publication

US

Document Objectives

The purpose of the current review is to update the medical evidence on the diagnosis and treatment of occipital condyle fractures

Target Patient Population

Patients with occipital condyle fractures

Inclusion Criteria

Female, Male, Adolescent, Adult, Older adult

Health Care Settings

Ambulatory, Hospital, Outpatient

Intended Users

Nurse, nurse practitioner, physician, physician assistant

Scope

Assessment and screening, Diagnosis, Management, Treatment

Diseases/Conditions (MeSH)

D007103 - Immobilization, D000072226 - Computed Tomography Angiography, D009777 - Occipital Bone, D008335 - Mandibular Condyle, D003196 - Computer Graphics

Keywords

immobilization, occipital condyle fractures

Source Citation

Neurosurgery, Volume 72, Issue suppl_3, March 2013, Pages 106–113, https://doi.org/10.1227/NEU.0b013e3182775527