Abstract

The fixation of type 2 odontoid fractures poses significant challenges in the elderly population due to coexistent osteoporosis and communition resulting in a high failure rate with conventional anterior screw fixation. Two elderly patients with unstable odontoid peg fractures and coexistent osteoporosis were treated with stentoplasty and anterior odontoid screw fixation. Additional anterior transarticular C1–2 screws were placed to address C1–2 instability. Both patients made an uneventful clinical recovery. One of the anterior C1–2 screws loosened due to the poor purchase in the osteoporotic bone in one patient. This did not affect the final outcome, and both the patients demonstrated maintained reduction and good alignment of odontoid peg after 2 years of follow-up. There was no intraoperative cement leak, pseudoarthrosis, or loss of reduction. Stentoplasty coupled with the anterior odontoid screw is a safe technique that can provide a biomechanically sound fixation of type 2 odontoid fractures in the presence of osteoporosis and significant communition.

Full Text
Paper version not known

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.