Occipitocervical Dislocation

This chapter covers the presentation, diagnosis, operative decision-making, surgical procedure, postoperative management, and evidence/outcomes of patients who have sustained atlanto-occipital dislocation (AOD). The format of the chapter walks the reader through the case in a logical manner with each section containing questions and oral board review pearls that are directly answered in the text. Each section has a combination of radiographic (x-ray, computed tomography scan, and three-dimensional reconstruction) and illustrative imaging to aid in the diagnosis and classification of AOD. This chapter is designed to provide residents or board-eligible neurosurgeons with an up-to-date review of this condition for both written and oral board certification.