Spontaneous Fractures in the Setting of Extensive Craniocervical Pneumatization: Case Report and Literature Review.

BACKGROUND

Cranial pneumatization in humans is normally confined to the paranasal sinuses and the petrous and mastoid parts of the temporal bones.

CASE DESCRIPTION: We present a case of left-sided fractures of the occipital condyle and lateral mass of the atlas in the setting of extensive craniocervical pneumatization but in the absence of trauma, with a resulting unilateral hypoglossal nerve palsy.

CONCLUSIONS

We discussed the possible etiology of this rare disease, its management, and prognosis.