Treatment options and efficacy analysis of teardrop fracture of the axis / 中华创伤杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To determine the treatment options for teardrop fracture of the axis and discuss the treatment efficacy.Methods Nineteen patients with teardrop fracture of the axis treated from March 2003 to June 2013 were retrospectively reviewed.Teardrop fracture of the axis accounted for 3.9％ of the cervical injuries and 11.4％ of the axis fractures over the same period.There were 15 males and 4 females,at age range of 21-56 years (mean,37.8 years).Injury was caused by traffic accidents in 12 patients,falls in 6,and hit from heavy objects in 1.Cervical imaging examinations (X-ray,CT and MRI) were performed on admission.Thirteen patients were immobilized for 3 to 6 months with the Halovest device,and six patients underwent anterior cervical surgery.No patients had neurologic deficit [American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) grade E].Visual analogue scale (VAS),implant failure and bone fusion were recorded after operation.Results All patients were followed up for 12-18 months (mean,15.6 months).At the final follow-up,no implant loosening or breakage happened and 18 patients achieved bone union.Neck mobility returned to normal,which showed VAS improved from (7.5 ± 1.2) points to (3.1 ± 1.5) points.ASIA grade E remained in 18 patients,and one patient were progressed to grade D.Conclusions Teardrop fracture of the axis is rare cervical injury,and can be treated conservatively in most cases.However,surgery is often necessary when imaging findings suggest the existence of instability.