Type II Odontoid Fractures Case Series: History of Seizures a Risk Factor for Failure of Non-operative Treatment of Type II Odontoid Fractures

Abstract

Introduction:Odontoid fractures are one of the most common injuries to the cervical spine. Type II odontoid fracture treatment varies depending on age, co-morbidities, and fracture morphology. Treatment ranges from cervical orthosis to surgical intervention. Currently fractures with high non-union rates are considered for operative management which includes displacement of >6 mm, increasing age (>40-60 years), fracture gap >1 mm, delay in treatment >4 days, posterior re-displacement >2 mm, increased angulation, and history of smoking. While re-displacement of >2 mm has been associated with increased risk of non-union;, to the best of our knowledge, no studies have looked at the risk factors for re-displacement. Case Report:We present two 26-year-old male patients who were found to have minimally displaced type II odontoid fractures initially treated in a cervical collar. These two patients were subsequently found to have displaced their odontoid fracture after having a documented seizure. Conclusion:We suggest that a history of seizures be considered a risk factor for re-displacement of non-displaced type II odontoid fractures. Keywords:Operative indications odontoid case report, Type II odontoid fracture, Displacement, Seizure, Odontoid fracture displacement, Nondisplaced type ? odontoid fracture.