Is odontoid fracture serious?

The odontoid process, also called the dens, is a protuberance of the axis. Life-threatening fractures can occur as a result of forces acting on this anatomical structure due to its proximity to the spinal cord and brainstem.

What is an Odontoid peg fracture?

Odontoid process fracture, also known as a peg or dens fracture, occurs where there is a fracture through the odontoid process of C2.

How long does it take for an odontoid fracture to heal?

Odontoid fracture healing was obtained in all patients within 9 months, and graft fusion was achieved within 6 months. JOA score was significantly improved from 6.3 ± 3.1 preoperatively to 11.1 ± 4.6 at 12 months after operation (P = 0.007), with 50.5 ± 25.7% recovery rate and 66.7% excellent and good rate.

What is the most common type of odontoid fracture?

Type II fracture, the most common type of odontoid fracture, is considered relatively unstable. It occurs at the base of the odontoid between the level of the transverse ligament and the C2 vertebral body.

Can an Odontoid fracture heal on its own?

A stable fracture may “set” and heal itself. In an unstable fracture, the bone is more likely to move out of its normal position and alignment. Type II fractures are considered the least stable of the odontoid fractures. This makes them the most likely to require surgery.

How long does a C2 fracture take to heal?

Typically, recovery after nonsurgical treatment of C1-C2 takes 8 to 12 weeks.

What is a Type 3 Odontoid fracture?

A type III odontoid fracture is a fracture through the body of the C2 vertebrae and may involve a variable portion of the C1 and C2 facets. Type III odontoid fractures occur secondary to hyperextension or hyperflexion of the cervical spine in a similar manner to type II odontoid fractures.

What is a Type 2 fracture?

Type 2. This fracture occurs when the growth plate is hit and splits away from the joint along with a small piece of the bone shaft. This is the most common type and happens most often in children over 10. About 75 percent of Salter-Harris fractures are type 2.

Is type 2 Odontoid fracture unstable?

A type II odontoid fracture is inherently unstable, and a rigid cervical orthosis is not the ideal treatment for such an injury. In the elderly population, many are not surgical candidates (due to comorbidities or poor bone quality), and the elderly typically poorly tolerate a halo vest immobilization.

What kind of fracture is a peg fracture?

Odontoid fracture. Odontoid process fracture, also known as the peg or dens fracture , occurs where there is a fracture through the odontoid process of C2.

What causes an odontoid peg fracture in the cervical spine?

Odontoid peg fractures are thought to occur following extreme hyperextension or hyperflexion of the cervical spine. This can be caused by low-impact forces, such as falls in the elderly, or as a result of high-impact forces, such as road traffic collisions in young or middle-aged patients.

Which is the best classification for odontoid peg fractures?

The Anderson and D’Alonzo classification system is the most widely used. They characterised odontoid peg fractures according the plane of the fracture. The classification system is summarised in Table 1 and Fig. 1. The fracture types may then be further classified as displaced or non-displaced.

Can a C2 injury cause an odontoid fracture?

C2 injuries, especially odontoid fractures, must be ruled out in older patients with neck pain after even a minor injury (4). below the axis vertebra. As a result, there is increased stress on the spared upper cervical spine, resulting in a higher incidence of injuries. instance by a fall, will induce forced atlanto axial rotation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rbNZ93AgnAw