[Treatment of fresh fractures of the dens axis by compression screw osteosynthesis]

Today most fractures of the odontoid process are treated conservatively. In 32% a bony stabilization is not achieved. Therefore each third has to have a secondary operation, because the only life-threatening psuedoarthrosis is one in the odontoid process of the axis. For this reason the question is repeatedly raised, whether better results will be achieved by on early primary operation. The advantages of the compression-screw osteosynthesis are compared with the well-known operative procedures. The operative management is described. An illustrative case in regard to diagnostic operation and follow up study is described.