Odontoid fracture

Case contributed by Orsolya Lajos
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Presentation via ambulance. The patient fell over.

Patient Data

Age: 90 years
Gender: Female
x-ray

Transparent line on dens axis.

ct

Fracture without dislocation on the base of the dens axis. The atlanto-dental distance is not widened. In the atlanto-axial joint there is a ventral dislocation both sides.

Case Discussion

This is a type II fracture based on the Anderson and D'Alonzo classification.

Normally, the atlanto-dental distance can not more than 3 mm. In this case this distance is especially narrowed.

Even though this is an unstable fracture, the therapy was conservative.

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