Melanoma erysipeloides.

' 2005 CMA Media Inc. Can J Surg, Vol. 48, No. 2, April 2005 159 Fractures of the atlas vertebra are rare in children. A history of trauma combined with the classical signs of neck pain, head tilt, diminished cervical range of motion and cervical muscle stiffness should alert the clinician to the possibility of an atlas fracture. Initial radiographs may be equivocal; further images should be made with CT and MRI if clinical suspicion is high. Imaging may also be used to verify post-immobilization reduction of the fracture. For stable fractures, excellent functional results may be obtained with immobilization by external fixation.