Presentation
Out-of-vehicle rollover accident
Patient Data
A fracture of the right base of the odontoid process was identified that crosses the body to the contralateral arch from anteroinferior to posterosuperior, with comminution and minimal trans-dental luxation. The transverse foramen was intact.
Case Discussion
This case was classified as Anderson and D'Alonzo type III complex odontoid fracture due to the comminution of more than 50% of the lateral mass. Treatment was with posterior surgical stabilization.
The patient was treated by sublaminar cerclage from C2 to C3 with surgical wire: at the level of C2, both laminae are crossed in the sublaminar region, giving a turn in its proximal portion and crossing the spinous process and subsequently tensing; the cable is wrapped around and tightened to the spinous process of C3 and linked with the portion of the wire of C2 to make a twist in the lateral portion of C2.