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- common
- occur at an average of 4 years of age
- this is a physeal injury of the synchondrosis
- infrequent neurologic injury
- usually the displacement is anterior like head falling forward
- bony syndromes including Morquio, NF, Osteogenesis Imperfecta etc. can give dysplastic appearance & make the diagnosis difficult
- results of nonoperative treatment are much better in children, perhaps because of an anteriorly intact hinge
Treatment
- generally consists of reduction with hyperextension in the recumbant position & then Minerva jacket or Halo for 6 weeks
- follow up xrays are required to check union & stability
- rare to need halo traction for reduction
