Author/Editor     Komadina, Radko; Brilej, Drago; Kosanović, Miloš; Vlaović, Miodrag
Title     Halo jacket in odontoid fractures type II and III
Type     članek
Source     ARCH ORTHOP TRAUMA SURG
Vol. and No.     Letnik 123, št. 2-3
Publication year     2003
Volume     str. 64-7
Language     eng
Abstract     The treatment of odontoid fractures remains controversial. The late results of 14 patients with Anderson D'Alonzo type II and III treated with halo jacket from 1995 to 1999 are presented. The fractures were reduced under image intensifier and stabilized by halo jacket. The immobilization period was 12 weeks. After 1 year, the fracture was roentgenologically consolidated in 12 out of 14 patients (85.7%), and all the patients were without neurological deficit. Nine patients (64.3%) were without subjective complaints, five had a reduced range of motion. Painful motion appeared in four patients (28.6%), and cervical stiffness was noted in five (35.7%). We recommend halo jacket for the treatment of most type II and III odontoid fractures which are unstable or displaced 6 mm and more, except for patients with tetraplegia. Fractures with minimal displacement and without neurological deficit were treated conservatively with rigid collars. In our institution, internal fixation was performed in selected cases. The presence of neurological deficit and the anatomic properties of the fracture site crucially influence the choice of treatment.
Descriptors     FRACTURE FIXATION
ODONTOID PROCESS
SPINAL FRACTURES
AGE FACTORS
SEX FACTORS
IMMOBILIZATION
RETROSPECTIVE STUDIES