title: Fractures of the dens--the results of non-rigid immobilization.
abstract: A series of 42 patients with fractures of the dens is reported. All patients were initially treated on traction and then immobilized in a SOMI brace or a cervical collar with a chin piece. Union was obtained in 37 patients. There has been no case of delayed myelopathy in the severely malunited fractures.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Natal, Durban, South Africa.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Govender
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Grootboom
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001368:Axis, Cervical Vertebra / Q000293:injuries*; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005592:Fracture Fixation; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009809:Odontoid Process / Q000293:injuries*; D009989:Orthotic Devices; D014143:Traction