Combined Type II Odontoid Fracture With Axis Anterior Arch Fracture

Abstract

Associated fractures of the atlas and axis are frequent, particularly in the elderly patients following a simple low-energy fall. This injury can be easily misdiagnosed on initial plain radiographs, and therefore computed tomography scan is a useful adjunct in patients with a degenerative spine. There is still no consensus as to the optimal treatment of combined axis–atlas fractures, and the majority of authors propose a therapeutic strategy dependent on the odontoid fracture pattern. We describe a combined atlas and axis fracture in a 92-year-old patient who was managed with nonoperative treatment in a rigid collar. The association of C1 anterior arch with a C2 type II odontoid fracture is a rare combination, which to our knowledge has never been reported following nonoperative treatment. There was a good functional outcome at 1-year follow-up with the fracture progressing to a fibrous nonunion of the odontoid process.