PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Suss, Richard A.
AU  - Zimmerman, Robert D.
AU  - Leeds, Norman E.
TI  - Pseudospread of the Atlas: False Sign of Jefferson Fracture in Young Children
DP  - 1983 Mar 01
TA  - American Journal of Neuroradiology
PG  - 183--186
VI  - 4
IP  - 2
4099  - http://www.ajnr.org/content/4/2/183.short
4100  - http://www.ajnr.org/content/4/2/183.full
SO  - Am. J. Neuroradiol.1983 Mar 01; 4
AB  - Jefferson fractures are rare prior to teen-age. Three young children examined after trauma exhibited the characteristic spread appearance of the atlas, but fractures were excluded radiographically and clinically. A retrospective study demonstrated a similar appearance, termed “pseudospread,” in most children aged 3 months to 4 years, including over 90% during the second year. Pseudospread results from a discrepancy between the “neural” growth pattern of the atlas and the “somatic” pattern of the axis. An “atlas spread index” is defined and a normal range presented. When an atlas fracture is suggested by apparent lateral spread of the lateral atlas masses, computed tomography is useful to demonstrate an intact atlas ring.