Oblique Axis Body Fracture: An Unstable Subtype of Anderson Type III Odontoid Fractures—Apropos of Two Cases. (6th March 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Takai, Hirokazu; Konstantinidis, Lukas; Schmal, Hagen; Helwig, Peter; Knöller, Stefan; Südkamp, Norbert; Hauschild, Oliver
• Other Names: Park Paul Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Case reports in orthopedics. Volume 2016(2016)
• Publication Date: 2016-03-06
• Subjects: Orthopedics -- Periodicals; Orthopedics; Orthopedics; Periodicals; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 616.7
• DOI: 10.1155/2016/7561682
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2090-6749

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose . Anderson type III odontoid fractures have traditionally been considered stable and treated conservatively. However, unstable cases with unfavorable results following conservative treatment have been reported. Methods . We present the cases of two patients who sustained minimally displaced Anderson type III fractures with a characteristic fracture pattern that we refer to as "oblique type axis body fracture." Results . The female patients aged 90 and 72 years, respectively, were both diagnosed with minimally displaced Anderson type III fractures. Both fractures had a characteristic "oblique type" fracture pattern. The first patient was treated conservatively with cervical spine immobilization in a semirigid collar. However, gross displacement was noted at the 6-week follow-up visit. The second patient was therefore treated operatively by C1–C3/4 posterior fusion and the course was uneventful. Conclusions . Oblique type axis body fractures resemble a highly unstable subtype of Anderson type III fractures with the potential of severe secondary deformity following conservative treatment, irrespective of initial grade of displacement. The authors therefore warrant a high index of suspicion for this injury and suggest early operative stabilization.