Os Odontoideum.
- 1 April 1980
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Wolters Kluwer Health in Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery
- Vol. 62 (3) , 376-383
- https://doi.org/10.2106/00004623-198062030-00007
Abstract
RECOMMENDATIONS Standards There is insufficient evidence to support diagnostic standards. Guidelines There is insufficient evidence to support diagnostic guidelines. Options Plain x-rays of the cervical spine (anteroposterior, open-mouth odontoid, and lateral) and plain dynamic lateral x-rays performed in flexion and extension are recommended. Tomography (computed or plain) and/or magnetic resonance imaging of the craniocervical junction may be considered. Standards There is insufficient evidence to support treatment standards. Guidelines There is insufficient evidence to support treatment guidelines. Options • Patients with os odontoideum, either with or without C1–C2 instability, who have neither symptoms nor neurological signs may be managed with clinical and radiographic surveillance. • Patients with os odontoideum, particularly with neurological symptoms and/or signs, and C1–C2 instability may be managed with posterior C1–C2 internal fixation and fusion. • Postoperative halo immobilization as an adjunct to posterior internal fixation and fusion is recommended unless successful C1–C2 transarticular screw fixation and fusion can be accomplished. • Occipitocervical fusion with or without C1 laminectomy may be considered in patients with os odontoideum who have irreducible cervicomedullary compression and/or evidence of associated occipitoatlantal instability. • Transoral decompression may be considered in patients with os odontoideum who have irreducible ventral cervicomedullary compression.Keywords
This publication has 1 reference indexed in Scilit:
- Congenital Absence of the Odontoid ProcessJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery, 1964