Residual stability of the craniovertebral segment in its various injuries

Residual stability of craniovertebral segment in the most common injuries (odontoid process fractures, ring fractures of C2, Atlas fractures, etc.) was sudied in experiment. The study was performed in 7 cadaveral craniovertebral blocks. The range of movement before and after injuires modelling, the estimation of force that caused the vertebrae displacement using special loading test device were detected. It was shown that in any injury without vertebrae dislocation craniovertebral segment possessed the residual stability. The minor stability was noted in odontoid prosess fractures of II and III types and «butcher’s»fractures, the major stability was in the intervertebral disc injuries of C2-C3 and occipital condyle fractures. On the base of experimental and clinical data the conclusion was done that fixation of cervical spine using head support with frontal fixative or halo apparatus were indicated for cranivertebral segement injuries without vertebrae dislocation. In dislocation of vertebrae it was necessary to reduce the dislocation and open surgical intervention for stabilization.