Surgical treatment of odontoid fractures with C1 hook and C2 pedicle screw construct

Abstract

A number of approaches have been attempted to address the treatment of acute odontoid fractures, spanning from conservative treatment with an external orthotic device to posterior C1-C2 arthrodesis or anterior screw fixation. The current report describes stabilisation of such fractures with a C1 supralaminar hook and a C2 pars interarticularis screw construct. Two patients with odontoid fracture were treated by this technique. Two-year follow-up of both patients revealed complete union without complications. The authors stress that this technique avoids the hazards of C1 lateral mass screws.