Background:
Atlantoaxial dislocation is a rare injury following high-energy trauma. We report an undescribed complication of atlantoaxial dislocation.
Case description:
A 75-year-old man presented with atlantoaxial dislocation and Jefferson C1 fracture after a high-energy trauma. Occipitoaxial stabilizations were performed the day after. A nasopharyngeal fistula was identified at day 5 causing a persistent epistaxis.
Conclusion:
Nasopharyngeal fistulization of C1 bony fragment is a rare complication of complex occipitocervical injury. Combined treatment with ENT surgeon should be considered.