TY - JOUR T1 - Pseudospread of the Atlas: False Sign of Jefferson Fracture in Young Children JF - American Journal of Neuroradiology JO - Am. J. Neuroradiol. SP - 183 LP - 186 VL - 4 IS - 2 AU - Richard A. Suss AU - Robert D. Zimmerman AU - Norman E. Leeds Y1 - 1983/03/01 UR - http://www.ajnr.org/content/4/2/183.abstract N2 - 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. ER -