Noninvasive Management of an Odontoid Process Fracture in a Toddler: Case Report. (February 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kim, Woosung; O'Malley, Mike; Kieser, David Christopher
• Is Part Of: Global spine journal. Volume 5:Number 1(2015)
• Page Start: 59
• Page End: 61
• Publication Date: 2015-02
• Subjects: odontoid peg -- dens -- pediatric -- cervical spine -- fracture; Spine -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Spine -- Diseases -- Treatment -- Periodicals; Spine -- Abnormalities -- Periodicals; Spine -- Surgery -- Periodicals; 616.73
• DOI: 10.1055/s-0034-1384817
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2192-5682

Abstract

Study Design: Case report. Objective: Odontoid process fractures represent an uncommon injury in small children, with their optimal management remaining unclear. We present a case of conservatively managed displaced type 2 odontoid process fracture in a small child. Methods: We analyzed clinical and radiographic outcomes of a restrained 2-year-old girl involved in a motor vehicle accident who sustained a displaced type 2 odontoid process fracture and was treated conservatively in a semirigid Aspen collar. Results: The fracture progressively healed with callus formation evident at 6 weeks. By 12 weeks, the patient was asymptomatic and had regained head control and a full range of movement. Radiographic remodeling of the fracture was seen to improve over the 6-month follow-up. Conclusion: This case illustrates that displaced type 2 odontoid process fractures can be successfully managed conservatively in small children.