Gehweiler Classification

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The Gehweiler classification is used to classify fractures of the atlas and was published by John Gehweiler in 19761.

Gehweiler Type Description2
Type I Fracture of the anterior arch of the atlas
Type II Fracture of the posterior arch of the atlas
Type III Combined fracture of the anterior and posterior arches of the atlas (e.g., Jefferson fracture)
Type IV Fracture of the massa lateralis
Type V Fracture of the processus transversus

Gehweiler classification
Schematic illustration of the Gehweiler classification. Figure adapted from the Reference Series: Radiological Diagnostics, Thieme Verlag 1999.

Interpretation

There is no clear consensus regarding the stability of the respective Gehweiler fractures. Gehweiler type III fractures can be further divided into subtypes and are generally considered unstable3. Gehweiler type IV fractures are likewise considered potentially unstable in some cases4.

References

    1. Gehweiler, John A., et al. "Fractures of the atlas vertebra." Skeletal Radiology 1.2 (1976): 97-102. ↩ ↩

    2. Reference Series on Radiological Diagnostics, edited by U. Mödder: Fractures and Dislocations, edited by W. Steinbrich, P. Regazzoni. Thieme, Stuttgart 1999 ↩ ↩

    3. Laubach, Markus, et al. "Interobserver reliability of the Gehweiler classification and treatment strategies of isolated atlas fractures: an internet-based multicenter survey among spine surgeons." European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery (2020): 1-11. ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

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    • Text changed: “| Gehweiler Type | Description[^2] | |---------------|------------------| | Type I | Fracture of the anterior atlas arch | | Type II | Fracture of the posterior atlas arch | | Type III | Combined fracture of the anterior and posterior atlas arches (e.g., [Jefferson fracture](\/lexikon\/jefferson-fraktur)) | | Type IV | Fracture of the lateral mass | | Type V | Fracture of the transverse process |”“| Gehweiler Type | Description[^2] | |---------------|------------------| | Type I | Fracture of the anterior arch of the atlas | | Type II | Fracture of the posterior arch of the atlas | | Type III | Combined fracture of the anterior and posterior arches of the atlas (e.g., [Jefferson fracture](\/lexikon\/jefferson-fraktur)) | | Type IV | Fracture of the massa lateralis | | Type V | Fracture of the processus transversus |”
    • Text changed: “## Interpretation {#interpretation} There is no clear consensus regarding the stability of the respective Gehweiler fractures. Gehweiler type III fractures can be further subdivided into subtypes and are generally considered unstable[^3]. Gehweiler type IV fractures are likewise considered potentially unstable in some cases[^3].”“## Interpretation {#interpretation} There is no clear consensus regarding the stability of the respective Gehweiler fractures. Gehweiler type III fractures can be further divided into subtypes and are generally considered unstable[^3]. Gehweiler type IV fractures are likewise considered potentially unstable in some cases[^3].”
    • Text changed: “[^1]: [Gehweiler, John A., et al. "Fractures of the atlas vertebra." Skeletal Radiology 1.2 (1976): 97-102.](https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/BF00347414) [^2]: Reference Series Radiological Diagnostics, ed. by U. Mödder: Fractures and Dislocations, ed. by W. Steinbrich, P. Regazzoni. Thieme, Stuttgart 1999 [^3]: [Laubach, Markus, et al. "Interobserver reliability of the Gehweiler classification and treatment strategies of isolated atlas fractures: an internet-based multicenter survey among spine surgeons." European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery (2020): 1-11.](https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/s00068-020-01494-y)”“[^1]: [Gehweiler, John A., et al. "Fractures of the atlas vertebra." Skeletal Radiology 1.2 (1976): 97-102.](https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/BF00347414) [^2]: Reference Series on Radiological Diagnostics, edited by U. Mödder: Fractures and Dislocations, edited by W. Steinbrich, P. Regazzoni. Thieme, Stuttgart 1999 [^3]: [Laubach, Markus, et al. "Interobserver reliability of the Gehweiler classification and treatment strategies of isolated atlas fractures: an internet-based multicenter survey among spine surgeons." European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery (2020): 1-11.](https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/s00068-020-01494-y)”
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