Halo-thoracic brace management of odontoid fractures

Thirteen patients with fracture of the odontoid were treated with halo-thoracic brace. Major trauma was responsible for the fracture in only 5. Neither the degree nor the direction of displacement prevented union, which occurred in all 13. All patients were treated for least 60 days; 11 were treated longer. No complications occurred. The method is recommended based on the results.