J Korean Neurosurg Soc.  1993 Apr;22(4):604-609.

A Surgical Experience of a Odontoid Type II Fracture by Transoral Approach and Internal Fixation with Screws and Mini-plate

• Han JH
• Cho YJ
• Hwang JH
• Park YK
• Ahn MS

Abstract

With changing mechanisms of injury, heightened clinical awareness, and better diagnostic technology, odontoid fractures constitute 9~18% of cervical fractures in recent reports. The odontoid type II fracture is the most common axis fracture and it is also the most difficult to treat. Type II fractures with greater than 6mm dens dislocation have a higher incidence of nonunion with nonoperative therapy and should be offered early operative reduction with fusion. Recently we have experienced a young male patient with odontoid type II fracture. The degree of dens dislocation was 8mm. The fractured odontoid process was removed through transoral-transpharyngeal approach and bone fusion was performed with iliac bone. And the inserted bone was fixed with screws and mini-plate for further stabilization. The operative result was good without any serious complications. The operation technique is detailed.

Keyword

The odontoid type II fracture; Transoral approach; Internal fixation; Operation technique

MeSH Terms

Axis, Cervical Vertebra
Dislocations
Humans
Incidence
Male
Odontoid Process