The pathological anatomy of fatal atlanto-occipital dislocations

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Bucholz-RW; Burkhead-WZ J-Bone-Joint-Surg-Am. 1979 Mar; 61(2): 248-50 Nine atlanto-occipital dislocations were found in postmortem examinations of 112 victims of multiple trauma. Axial traction facilitated roentgenographic identification of the injury. A hyperextension mechanism of injury was suggested by the associated injuries, including submental lacerations and mandibular fractures. Atlanto-occipital dislocations were more frequent in children than in adults. A pure dislocation injury without fracture was identified.