Delayed Nonunion of a Type II Odontoid Fracture, after Apparent Bony Fusion: Case Report

We managed a 27-year-old woman, who suffered from a type II odontoid fracture, with a halo-vest. After 12 weeks, we confirmed bony fusion on cervical spine CT and managed her with a neck collar. During the OPD follow up, we checked the cervical spine film every 1 month. After two and half months, displaced odontoid process was noted on routine cervical film, and a bony gap was found at the previous fracture wite on cervical spine CT. There is only one report in the literlature describing a nonunion after radiographically confirmed healing of a type II odontoid fracture. We report this case in order to emphasize the importance of scheduled follow up examination and evaluate precipitating factors of delayed nonunion of odontoid fracture.