Combined Type II Odontoid Fracture with Jefferson's Fracture Treated with Temporary Internal Fixation

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Neurosurgery
• Trauma Care

Background:

• Type II odontoid fractures are common in young adults following trauma.
• Cervical spine fusion for these fractures can lead to significant loss of rotational mobility.
• Alternative fixation methods are needed to preserve function in young patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of temporary internal fixation without fusion for Type II odontoid fractures in a young adult.
• To assess the preservation of cervical spine motion after temporary fixation and subsequent removal.

Main Methods:

• A case study of an 18-year-old male with a Type II odontoid fracture after a motor vehicle accident.
• Temporary internal fixation using C1 lateral mass and C2 pedicle screws without fusion.
• Postoperative imaging (CT scans) at 6 months and clinical follow-up at 1 year.

Main Results:

• CT scan confirmed healed odontoid fracture and excellent C1-C2 alignment at 6 months.
• Internal fixation was removed at 9 months postoperatively.
• Full restoration of normal cervical spine rotational movement was observed at 1-year follow-up.

Conclusions:

• Temporary internal fixation without fusion is a viable strategy for Type II odontoid fractures in young patients.
• This approach effectively stabilizes the C1-C2 segment while preserving cervical spine mobility.
• It offers an alternative to fusion or halo fixation, mitigating associated complications.