Dickson H, Engel S, Blum P, Jones RF. Odontoid fractures, systemic disease and conservative care.
THE AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF SURGERY 1984;
54:243-7. [PMID:
6380477 DOI:
10.1111/j.1445-2197.1984.tb05311.x]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
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.
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