The distinguishing feature of the 2nd cervical vertebra (axis) is presence of odontoid process (dens) which articulates with anterior arch of atlas, and acts as a pivot around which atlas with skull rotates [1]. Severe neck pain and sudden unexpected death may occur due to skeletal abnormalities at the cranio-cervical junction or cervical region and is associated with neurological signs and sym...

The unique anatomy of the upper cervical spine and the typical mechanisms of injury yield a predictable variety of injury patterns. Traumatic ligamentous injuries of the atlanto-occipital joint and transverse atlantal ligament are relatively uncommon, have a poor prognosis for healing, and often respond best to surgical stabilization. Bony injuries, including occipital condyle fractures, atlas ...

Controversy exists as to the most effective management option for elderly patients with type II odontoid fractures. Furthermore, outcomes for patients who do not achieve fusion or fracture healing after treatment remain unclear in the literature. The purpose of this study is to evaluate fracture-healing rates, functional outcomes, complications, and mortality associated with rigid cervical coll...

BACKGROUND Anterior odontoid screw fixation (AOSF) has been one of the most popular treatments for odontoid fractures. However, the true efficacy of AOSF remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to provide the pooled rates of non-union, reoperation, infection, and approach related complications after AOSF for odontoid fractures. METHODS We searched studies that discussed complications after A...

Purpose. Anterior screw fixation has become a popular surgical treatment method for instable odontoid fractures. Screw loosening and migration are a rare, severe complication following anterior odontoid fixation, which can lead to esophagus perforation and requires revision operation. Methods. We report a case of screw loosening and migration after anterior odontoid fixation, which perforated t...

An 18-year-old male presented after a motor vehicle rollover accident. Computed tomography (CT) scan confirmed the diagnosis of Type II odontoid fracture. Considering the patient's young age and the limitations of C1-C2 fusion including significant loss of cervical rotation, temporary internal fixation with a lateral mass fixation of C1 and pedicle fixation of C2 without fusion was done. CT sca...