Early posterior acrylic fixation of traumatic odontoid fractures

Nine cases of traumatic odontoid fractures had, as a primary treatment, a posterior surgical fixation (C1 + C2 + C3) by means of acrylate, without waiting for the unpredictable results of external systems of immobilisation. No immediate or late (follow-up: six months to seven yrs) neurological complications occurred. Solid union took place in all the cases but one. Two cases of wound infection were recorded. All the patients were actively mobilised on the second postoperative day without external immobilisation.