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Updated: Aug 12, 2026
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Creating Rigidly Stabilized Fractures for Assessing Intramembranous Ossification, Distraction Osteogenesis, or Healing of Critical Sized Defects
Published on: April 11, 2012
Fracture of the odontoid process
The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Surgery
|August 1, 1976
Summary
Late diagnosis of odontoid fractures often leads to non-union. For long-standing cases, fusion without posterior decompression is recommended to avoid severe neurological complications like myelopathy.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Neurosurgery
- Traumatology
Background:
- Odontoid fractures, injuries to the second cervical vertebra (C2), can result in significant morbidity.
- Delayed diagnosis and treatment are common challenges in managing these fractures.
- Myelopathy associated with odontoid fractures presents as either immediate or delayed onset.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review cases of odontoid fractures and identify factors contributing to non-union.
- To analyze the types and management of myelopathy in odontoid fractures.
- To provide treatment recommendations for long-standing odontoid fractures.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 26 cases of odontoid fractures.
- Analysis of diagnostic delays, treatment strategies, and patient outcomes.
- Evaluation of myelopathy presentation and management.
Main Results:
- Late diagnosis and delayed treatment were significant causes of non-union in odontoid fractures.
- Myelopathy occurred in two forms: immediate and delayed post-injury.
- Fusion without posterior decompression is advised for long-standing cases to prevent iatrogenic medullospinal complications.
Conclusions:
- Timely diagnosis and treatment are crucial for successful union of odontoid fractures.
- Posterior decompression in long-standing cases carries a risk of severe neurological damage.
- Atlanto-axial fusion techniques, including bone grafting and secure wire fixation, require careful execution.
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