ODONTOID FRACTURES, SYSTEMIC DISEASE AND CONSERVATIVE CARE

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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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