J Korean Orthop Assoc.  2021 Dec;56(6):530-534. 10.4055/jkoa.2021.56.6.530.

Conservative Management for a Highly Displaced Dens Fracture in a Two-Year-Old Child

• Lim SJ
• Kim GJ
• Kim YM

• KMID: 2523284
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4055/jkoa.2021.56.6.530

Abstract

Fractures of the dens (odontoid process) in children’s cervical spine are rare, with very few case reports dealing with these injuries. In particular, a treatment modality has not been established for severe displaced fractures. Surgical fixation can theoretically afford early reduction and better maintenance, but it requires a very delicate and cautious procedure and results in permanent fusion of 1–2 cervical articulation. The authors chose conservative management for a displaced dens fracture in a two-year-old toddler and achieved a promising result. We report this case with a review of the relevant literature.

Keyword

child; cervical spine; displaced dens fracture