$odontoid fracture$

$odontoid fracture$

The most common type of C2 fracture is a fracture to its odontoid process (or dens). Odontoid fractures demonstrate a biphasic distribution with peak incidence rates reported in younger patients (ages 20 to 30 years) secondary to high energy mechanisms (i.e., motor vehicle accident), followed by elderly patient populations (ages 70 to 80 years) secondary to compromised bone density and low energy impact falls. Epidemiologyįractures of the second cervical vertebrae (C2) are the most common cervical spine injuries in the elderly population. If the cervical spine is excessively flexed, then the transverse ligament can transmit the excessive anterior forces to the odontoid process and cause an odontoid fracture. The transverse ligament runs dorsal to (behind) the odontoid process and attaches to the lateral mass of C1 on either side. The odontoid fracture can also occur with hyperflexion of the cervical spine. The most common mechanism of injury is a hyperextension of the cervical spine, pushing the head and C1 vertebrae backward. If the energy mechanism and resulting force are high enough (or the patient's bone density is compromised secondary to osteopenia/osteoporosis), the odontoid will fracture with varying displacement and degrees of comminution. In the elderly population, the trauma can occur after lower energy impacts such as falls from a standing position. In younger patients, they are typically the result of high-energy trauma, which occurs as a result of motor vehicle or diving accidents. Odontoid fractures occur as a result of trauma to the cervical spine.

$odontoid fracture$

Fracture of the odontoid process is classified into one of three types, which are type I, type II, or type III fractures, depending on the location and morphology of the fracture.

$odontoid fracture$

The first cervical vertebrae (atlas) rotates around the odontoid process to provide the largest single component of lateral rotation of the cervical spine.

$odontoid fracture$

The odontoid process, or dens, is a superior projecting bony element from the second cervical vertebrae (C2, or the axis). Discuss the importance of interprofessional team strategies for improving care coordination and communication to aid in prompt diagnosis of C2 odontoid fracture and improving outcomes in patients diagnosed with the condition.Summarize the treatment and management strategies available for C2 odontoid fractures, based on the specific fracture type.Discuss the components of proper evaluation and assessment of a patient presenting with a potential odontoid process fracture, including any indicated imaging studies.Describe the unique vertebral anatomy of the second cervical vertebra (axis), including the odontoid process.This activity reviews the etiology, presentation, evaluation, and management of fractures of the C2 dens and reviews the role of the interprofessional team in evaluating, diagnosing, and managing the condition.

$odontoid fracture$