Type II odontoid fracture
Updates to Case Attributes
In younger patients, odontoid fractures usually result from high-energy trauma, such as motor vehicle or diving accidents. In the elderly, the fracture can occur from lower energy impacts, such as falling from own height.
Fractures of C2 are the most common cervical spine injuries in the elderly, and most frequently are of the odontoid process.
Anderson and D'Alonzo classification is widely used for classifying odontoid fractures, based on their location, extension and stability. Type II odontoid fractures occur across the base of the odontoid process, near the junction with the C2 verterbral body. There may be posterior displacement of the C1 arch and odontoid relative to the C2 body. Type II fractures are the type most likely type to progress to non-union and surgical fusion may be required to achieve stability.
Case co-author: Rehana Jaffer, MD, FRCPC
-<p>In younger patients, odontoid fractures usually result from high-energy trauma, such as motor vehicle or diving accidents. In the elderly, the fracture can occur from lower energy impacts, such as falling from own height. </p><p>Fractures of C2 are the most common cervical spine injuries in the elderly, and most frequently are of the odontoid process.</p><p>Anderson and D'Alonzo classification is widely used for classifying odontoid fractures, based on their location, extension and stability. Type II odontoid fractures occur across the base of the odontoid process, near the junction with the C2 verterbral body. There may be posterior displacement of the C1 arch and odontoid relative to the C2 body. Type II fractures are the most likely type to progress to non-union and surgical fusion may be required to achieve stability. </p><p><em><strong>Case co-author: Rehana Jaffer, MD, FRCPC</strong></em></p>- +<p>In younger patients, odontoid fractures usually result from high-energy trauma, such as motor vehicle or diving accidents. In the elderly, the fracture can occur from lower energy impacts, such as falling from own height. </p><p>Fractures of C2 are the most common cervical spine injuries in the elderly, and most frequently are of the odontoid process.</p><p>Anderson and D'Alonzo classification is widely used for classifying odontoid fractures, based on their location, extension and stability. Type II odontoid fractures occur across the base of the odontoid process, near the junction with the C2 verterbral body. There may be posterior displacement of the C1 arch and odontoid relative to the C2 body. Type II fractures are the type most likely to progress to non-union and surgical fusion may be required to achieve stability. </p><p><em><strong>Case co-author: Rehana Jaffer, MD, FRCPC</strong></em></p>