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Normal anatomy
Diagrams of the types of occipital condyle fractures.
Case Discussion
The Anderson and Montesano classification system divides injuries into three types based on morphology and mechanism of injury:
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type I - comminuted (3-15%)
- impaction fracture of occipital condyle
- associated with axial compression injury
- stable injury
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type II - basilar skull (25-50%)
- basilar skull fracture extending into the occipital condyle
- associated with a direct blow to the lower skull
- stable injury
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type III - avulsion (35-75%)
- condylar avulsion injury at the alar ligament attachment
- associated with forced contralateral bending and rotation
- potentially unstable injury