Odontoid Process Fracture in a 18-Month-Old Child

ABSTRACT

A 18-month-old child admitted with neck pain, spasm and neck motion limitation after traffic accident. On C-spine lateral view, there was anterior angulation of odontoid process with anterior displacement of atlas. Neurologic examination showed no specific focal deficits. The patient was treated with Gardner-Wells tongs traction, skeletal traction with wiring, Halo vest for 2 months, Minerva cast for 2 months and cervical collar brace. Eight months after the trauma, follow-up dynamic C-spine lateral view showed bone fusion without false movement or growth retardation.