How serious is a dens fracture?
The odontoid process, also called the dens, is a protuberance of the axis. Life-threatening fractures can occur as a result of forces acting on this anatomical structure due to its proximity to the spinal cord and brainstem.
Is Type 3 Odontoid fracture stable?
1). Type I fractures at the tip of the odontoid are rare and usually stable, type II fractures at the base of the odontoid process are the most common and are inherently unstable, and type III fractures occur through the body of the odontoid process and can be unstable.
What is a fracture of the dens?
Summary: A fracture of the odontoid bone (also called the dens), is an upward extension of C2 cervical vertebrae (i.e., axis) up into the C1 cervical vertebrae (i.e., atlas) and is held in place partially by the alar, apical and transverse ligaments.
What is the dens in the cervical spine?
Description. The odontoid process (also dens or odontoid peg) is a protuberance (process or projection) of the Axis (second cervical vertebra). It exhibits a slight constriction or neck, where it joins the main body of the vertebra.
How is a dens fracture treated?
Treatments. Treatment options for type II odontoid fractures can be nonsurgical or surgical. Nonsurgical measures include immobilization, prevent or restrict movement, in a cervical collar or halo vest. Surgery may be required if the fracture has resulted in neurologic symptoms and/or the spine has become unstable.
How long does a dens fracture take to heal?
Most consider a type I odontoid fracture a stable fracture and treat for six to 12 weeks in a rigid cervical orthosis (hard cervical collar).
What do dens do?
The dens, also known as the odontoid process, connects to the first cervical vertebra and enables head rotation.
How do you get a dens fracture?
Risk Factors. Type II odontoid fractures occur when the cervical spine is hyperflexed (bent severely backward) or hyperextended (bent severely forward). Hyperflexion and hyperextension can be caused by trauma such as a fall or whiplash from a motor vehicle accident.
What are the major complications from a fracture of the dens?
Table 2.
| Complication | Patients (%) |
|---|---|
| Sepsis | 2 (1.9) |
| Stroke | 2 (1.9) |
| Cardiac arrest | 1 (1.0) |
| Septic shock | 1 (1.0) |
What causes dens fracture?
Odontoid fractures occur as a result of trauma to the cervical spine. In younger patients, they are typically the result of high-energy trauma, which occurs as a result of motor vehicle or diving accidents.
What does the dens of the vertebrae do?
Where can you found the dens?
The odontoid process, also known as the dens, is an upward projectile of bone that arises from the front part of the center of the axis vertebra. (The axis is the 2nd highest spinal bone.) The atlas is the first bone of your neck; it sits on top of the axis.
What is the best management of Type III dens fracture?
Management of type III dens fracture. Abstract. External immobilization with a halo vest is the traditional treatment of choice for type III fracture of the odontoid process of C2 (dens). With the evolution of new operative techniques and fixation devices, however, this policy is being questioned.
What is a type III odontoid fracture?
Type III odontoid fractures: A subgroup analysis of complex, high-energy fractures treated with external immobilization Thomas E. Niemeier,Adam R. Dyas,Sakthivel R. Manoharan,and Steven M. Theiss Thomas E. Niemeier Division of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Alabama, USA Find articles by Thomas E. Niemeier Adam R. Dyas
What type of dens fracture is a C2 fracture?
Odontoid fracture extending into the body of C2: type III dens fracture. Multiple transverse process fractures are also present. This odontoid fracture extends into the body of C2, making it a type III dens fracture. It is a mechanically unstable injury, but one which has good prognosis for healing.
What type of dens fracture is a transverse process?
Multiple transverse process fractures are also present. This odontoid fracture extends into the body of C2, making it a type III dens fracture. It is a mechanically unstable injury, but one which has good prognosis for healing.