Fusion Rate Difference between Sublaminar Wire and Screw Fixation in Type 2 Odontoid Traumatic Fractures

Abstract

Introduction Traumatic odontoid fracture type 2 is not uncommon in cervical spine trauma. Different techniques of fusion are usually applied depending on many factors with the aim of acquiring bony fusion at C1–2 segment. Material and Methods Twenty patient of traumatic type 2 odontoid fractures were operated in our institute from December 2010 till march 2014. Sublaminar wiring was done in 10 cases and the rest were operated by C1–2 screw fixation. Clinical condition and bony fusion were evaluated at 3 and 6 months. Results Fourteen patients were with improving or stationary clinical state plus good fusion signs. While six patients developed either clinical deterioration or radiological failure of fusion. Among these six patients, four cases were fused by sublaminar wire and two patients were operated by screw and rod fixation. All cases with fusion failure were re operated again. Conclusion Screw system fixation for traumatic odontoid fracture type 2 take upper hand than sublaminar wiring regarding bony fusion and clinical condition but longer time follow-up and larger series are needed.