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Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology
Published in: Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology 2/2021

Open Access 01-06-2021 | Skull Fracture | Images in Forensics

Classic but unexpected: a case of Jefferson fracture

Authors: Jean-Loup Gassend, Mohamed Yassine Braham, Raquel Vilarino, Virginie Magnin

Published in: Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology | Issue 2/2021

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Abstract

A man was found lying dead next to a ladder, with only a laceration surrounded by an abrasion visible upon external examination. No skull fractures were palpable. A CT scan and MRI showed a Jefferson fracture of the atlas, associated to a posterior displacement of the skull, a fracture of the dens of the axis, and fractures of the bodies of C5 and C6. Jefferson fractures typically result from a blow to the apex of the skull. In such cases, forensic pathologists should suspect the existence of a Jefferson fracture, particularly when no severe injuries are visible externally.
Literature
1.
Jefferson G. Fracture of the atlas vertebra Report of four cases, and a review of those previously recorded. Brit J Surg. 1919;27:407–22.
2.
Lekic N, Sheub J, Ennisa H, Lebwohla N, Al-Maaieha M. Why you should wear your seatbelt on an airplane: Burst fracture of the atlas (Jefferson fracture) due to in-flight turbulence. J Orth. 2020;17:78–82.
3.
Levine A, Edwards C. Fractures of the atlas. J Bone Joint Surg. 1991;73:680–91. CrossRef
Metadata
Title
Classic but unexpected: a case of Jefferson fracture
Authors
Jean-Loup Gassend
Mohamed Yassine Braham
Raquel Vilarino
Virginie Magnin
Publication date
01-06-2021
Publisher
Springer US
Keyword
Skull Fracture
Published in
Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology / Issue 2/2021
Print ISSN: 1547-769X
Electronic ISSN: 1556-2891
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12024-020-00333-1

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