The nonsurgical management of odontoid fractures in adults

Twenty-five odontoid fractures that were treated nonsurgically at the University of Virginia Hospital in the last 5 years were reviewed. Motor vehicle accidents were the major cause of this injury in our series. Early recognition and firm external stabilization of Type I and Type III fractures of the odontoid resulted in union in 100% of our patients. There were 12 Type II fractures with a nonunion rate of 42%. Thus, an overall rate of union of 80% was obtained. It is suggested in the literature and by this series that early recognition, reduction, and rigid external immobilization of Types I and III fractures of the odontoid should promote bony union. Type II fractures may also be managed successfully by closed methods, although the outcome is less certain.