Is Type 3 odontoid fracture stable?
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Anderson type III odontoid fractures have traditionally been considered stable and treated conservatively. However, unstable cases with unfavorable results following conservative treatment have been reported.
How serious is an odontoid fracture?
With odontoid fractures, the most common complication and the most serious is a nonunion of the bones that can lead to an increased mortality rate.
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.
What type of odontoid fracture has the best prognosis for healing?
The classification of the odontoid fractures is known as the Anderson/Alonzo classification: Type I : fracture of the upper part of the odontoid peg ; it’s rare and potentially unstable Type II : fracture at the base of the odontoid ; unstable, and has a high risk of non-union Type III : through the odontoid and into …
What is an Odontoid fracture?
Odontoid Fractures are relatively common fractures of the C2 (axis) dens that can be seen in low energy falls in elderly patients and high energy traumatic injuries in younger patients.
What is the most common type of Odontoid fracture?
Type II fractures occur at the base of the dens and are the most common odontoid fractures. This type is associated with a high prevalence of nonunion due to the limited vascular supply and small area of cancellous bone. Type III odontoid fracture occurs when the fracture line extends into the body of the axis.
What does the odontoid process do?
The odontoid process provides a pivot point — called an axis of motion — around which the skull and the first cervical vertebra (the atlas) rotate, twist and/or turn (these are really all the same thing.)
Where is odontoid process?
The odontoid process (also dens or odontoid peg) is a protuberance (process or projection) of the Axis (second cervical vertebra). It exhibits a slight constriction or neck, where it joins the main body of the vertebra.
What does the odontoid process articulate with?
One of the most prominent features of the axis bone is a superior, tooth-like projection called the odontoid process (or dens). articulates with the anterior arch of the atlas bone, where they form a pivot joint.
How long does it take for an odontoid fracture to heal?
Most consider a type I odontoid fracture a stable fracture and treat for six to 12 weeks in a rigid cervical orthosis (hard cervical collar).
What is the most common type of odontoid fracture?
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. Epidemiology Type III fractures account for 39% of all odontoid fractures 1).
Can non-rigid immobilisation effectively treat type II and Type III odontoid fractures?
According to our findings, stable type II and type III fractures of the odontoid can be successfully treated with non-rigid immobilisation, even if they are displaced. A thorough assessment of the stability of the odontoid with lateral flexion/extension views or dynamic fluoroscopy is recommended to evaluate the appropriate treatment.
What are Type 1 and Type 2 dental fractures?
Type I fractures occur very rarely and type II is the most common Type I: avulsion fracture of the apex. Type II: fracture through the base of the dens, at the junction of the odontoid base and the body of C2. Type III: fracture extends into the body of the axis.
What are the possible mechanisms of odontoid process fractures?
Other possible mechanisms include blunt trauma or hyperflexion trauma. There are three different types of odontoid process fracture characterised by the anatomic location of the fracture line. This is called the Anderson and D’Alonzo classification. Type I fractures occur very rarely and type II is the most common