Odontoid fracture complicating Jaffe-Lichtenstein disease. Case report

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Endocrinology
• Genetics

Background:

• Fibrous dysplasia is a rare bone disorder where normal bone is replaced by immature fibrous tissue.
• Polyostotic fibrous dysplasia affects multiple bones and can be associated with endocrine abnormalities (McCune-Albright syndrome) or occur in isolation (Jaffe-Lichtenstein disease).
• Odontoid fractures involve the C2 vertebra's dens, a critical area for cervical spine stability.

Observation:

• A 31-year-old male patient presented with a traumatic odontoid fracture.
• The fracture occurred in an area of the cervical spine already affected by polyostotic fibrous dysplasia, specifically Jaffe-Lichtenstein disease.
• The patient's medical history included this pre-existing bone lesion.

Findings:

• Conservative treatment, likely involving immobilization, was successfully implemented for the odontoid fracture.
• The pre-existing fibrous dysplasia did not preclude successful conservative management of the acute fracture.
• The case highlights the successful non-surgical outcome for a complex fracture in a diseased bone.

Implications:

• This case underscores the feasibility of conservative management for odontoid fractures even in the presence of underlying bone pathologies like fibrous dysplasia.
• It provides valuable insight into the clinical course and treatment considerations for patients with Jaffe-Lichtenstein disease experiencing traumatic injuries.
• Further research into the biomechanical properties of fibrous dysplasia and its impact on fracture healing could inform future treatment strategies.