Odontoid fractures, systemic disease and conservative care.
Patients admitted to the Prince Henry Hospital Spinal Unit between January 1982 and January 1983 with a diagnosis of fracture of the odontoid process of the axis were reviewed. There were nine patients representing 20% of all new cervical fractures. The mean age was 64.5 +/- 19.3 years. Alcoholism, brain damage following head injury, osteo-arthritis, cervical spondylosis, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis may be complicating factors in the management of odontoid fractures. A fracture of the odontoid in an elderly patient with a history of minimal trauma suggests osteoporosis. Early mobilization in a custom-moulded orthosis with frequent radiological monitoring prevents the complications of prolonged bed rest.
D000368:Aged; D001368:Axis, Cervical Vertebra / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*; D001510:Bed Rest; D016025:Bone Transplantation; D005260:Female; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000150:complications / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009989:Orthotic Devices; D011859:Radiography; D013123:Spinal Fusion; D013997:Time Factors; D014143:Traction