The pathological anatomy of fatal atlanto-occipital dislocations. ³

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Bucholz RW. Burkhead WZ. Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery - American Volume. 61(2):248-50, 1979 Mar. 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.