Abstract
Pure dislocation injuries resulting from severe trauma at the occipito-atlantoaxial junction most commonly result in death. Either the medulla oblongata or the spinomedullary junction may be severed. It is commonly believed that full-face helmets are protective during a motorcycle accident. However, previous reports have suggested that full-face helmets have little effect on neck injuries. Two cases showing occipito-atlantoaxial dislocation are presented here. The effect of full-face helmets on cervical injuries has been controversial. Although full-face helmets are considered effective in preventing head injury, the traction of full-face helmets during a crash and removal of the full-face helmet may promote cervical spine or occipito-atlantal dislocation. We think that traction of full-face helmets during a crash participated in the cause of death in both of the cases reported here.
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Naito, K., Itoi, A., Watari, T. et al. Traumatic occipito-atlantal dislocation caused by motorcycle accident while wearing a full-face helmet. Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol 21, 281–284 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00590-010-0703-8
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00590-010-0703-8