Fractures of the atlas associated with fractures of the odontoid process and transverse ligament ruptures.

One case of fracture of the atlas associated with rupture of the transverse ligament and three cases of atlantal fracture with associated fractures of the odontoid process are reported. In such cases, halo immobilization is recommended until the atlantal fracture has healed, followed by atlanto-axial fusion for instability of the cervical spine.