ABSTRACT
ObjectiveTo explore the treatment options for fresh Grauer type Ⅱ odontoid fractures and discuss corresponding clinical outcome.Methods The study involved 40 patients with fresh odontoid fractures including seven with type Ⅱ A fractures, 18 with type Ⅱ B and 15 with type ⅡC according to Grauer classification.There were five patients with incomplete cervical cord injuries.Type Ⅱ A fractures were treated by traction of occipital-jaw band or skull for 1-2 weeks and then fixed with head-neck-chest plaster or brace.Type Ⅱ B fractures were treated with anterior odontoid screw system fixation.Fifteen patients with type Ⅱ C fractures and three patients with type Ⅱ B fractures combined with severe fracture displacement were managed with posterior atlantoaxial pedicle screw fixation.Results All the patients were followed up for 6-24 months.Seven patients with type Ⅱ A fractures showed union after fixation with head-neck-chest plaster or brace for 3-6 months.Fifteen patients treated with odontoid screw fixation had good positions of screws, with no injury to the spinal cord, of which 14 patients obtained bone union, with union rate of 93.3％.Eighteen patients (including 15 patients with type Ⅱ C fractures and three with type Ⅱ B fractures combined with severe displacement) managed with atlantoaxial pedicle screw system showed no injury to the vertebral artery and spinal cord.Solid bone fusion was achieved.in 31 patients after 3 to 6 months.The X-ray and SCT scans verified proper fixation of the screws, with no deformation, loosening or breakage of the screws.Five patients with incomplete cervical cord injuries obtained neural function recovery at various degrees after surgery.ConclusionsConservative treatment cau be alternative to type ⅡA fractures.Anterior odontoid hollow screw fixation is better for type ⅡB fractures (non-displaced or reducible) and has advantages of minor trauma, fast postoperative recovery and high union rate.However, posterior atlantoaxial pedicle screw system fixation and fusion is suitable to type Ⅱ C and ⅡB fractures with severe displacement and has the advantages of stable three-dimension fixation, direct screw placement, intraoperative reduction, short-segment fixation and high fusion rate.