Fundamentals in Spinal Surgery for Residents-Management of Odontoid Fractures

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The video discusses odontoid fractures, which account for about 10-15% of cervical fractures. They are typically not fatal, although about 10% of cases result in significant deficits. Odontoid fractures are associated with neck pain, which worsens with movement, and can occur in either young patients with high velocity injuries or older patients with low energy trauma such as a ground level fall. The workup usually involves X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs, with CT scans being the preferred method at many hospitals. Treatment options vary depending on the type of odontoid fracture. Type 1 fractures are typically immobilized for 8-12 weeks with a collar or halo, while type 2 fractures may require surgery, such as odontoid screws or C1-C2 fusion. Type 3 fractures can often be treated with immobilization alone. Surgery is typically considered for elderly patients or in cases of non-compliance with immobilization. The recommendations for treatment are based on the age of the patient, displacement of the fracture, and patient preferences. This summary is based on the transcript of a video found at [Link to Video].

Asset Caption

Michele Johnson, MD

Keywords

odontoid fractures

cervical fractures

neck pain

X-rays

CT scans

MRIs