Three-dimensional computed tomography in evaluation of occipital condyle fracture.

Fracture of the occipital condyle is a rare sequela of craniocervical trauma. The diagnosis can be suspected in an injured patient with disproportionate torticollis, uncertain evidence of subluxation, and lower cranial nerve symptoms. Standard radiographic diagnosis of this fracture is difficult owing to its superimposition on other bony structures. Film tomography or computed tomography (CT) is usually required to identify the fracture. We report a case of occipital condyle fracture initially masked by atlantoaxial subluxation, but then best demonstrated by three-dimensional CT.