INTRODUCTION: The retrospective study evaluated the clinical and radiological outcomes of conservative treatment for type II odontoid C2 fractures in octogenerians. The study aimed to assess the clinical outcomes and quality of survival of patients treated using conservative methods. Additionally, the study sought to define radiological outcomes, fracture healing success and the development of complications in correlation with clinical outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients aged ≥80 with dens C2 fracture were fixed with a hard cervical collar for 6 weeks, followed by early mobilization. Patients showing delayed fracture healing on computed tomography (CT) scan were subsequently immobilized in a soft neck collar for additional 6 weeks. The follow-up CT scan was then performed with consequential rehabilitation. Patients with nonunion of the C2 on the follow-up CT scan and clinical symptoms were contraindicated for physical rehabilitation for cervical spine till next CT scan after another 12 weeks. Clinical and radiographic evaluations were performed during follow-up visits, with a median follow-up was 109 days, with the range extending from 1 day to 1 year. RESULTS: In total, 33 patients were included in the study and were followed for 1 year. The 30-day mortality rate was 21.2%, and between 30 days and one year post-treatment, it was 18.2%. Mortality was higher during the study period in displaced fractures (>2 mm; 9 out of 16 patients died) compared to non-displaced fractures (≤2 mm; 4 out of 17 patients died). The Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score remained unchanged between admission (mean 16.9; SD ± 0.5) and the end of follow-up (mean 16.9; SD ± 0.5; P > 0.05), the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score showed improvement from values measured upon admission to the hospital (mean 7.97; SD ± 1.33) to values measured at the end of follow-up (mean 1.58; SD ± 1.62; P < 0.001) and the Neck Disability Index (NDI) showed a statistically significant difference between admission (mean 41.3; SD ± 14.92) and the end of follow-up (mean 14.29; SD ± 4.65; P < 0.001). The standard measurement of Posterior Atlantodental Interval (PADI) had an average value of 18.6 (range 16-22 mm) and primary bony union of odontoid fractures occurred in eleven cases (33.3%), while six patients (18.2%) had fibrous union with minimal clinical difficulties. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the safety and efficacy of conservative treatment for odontoid fractures in octogenerians and underscores the critical role of conservative management in a polymorbid elderly population.

• Keywords
• conservative treatment, fracture union, mortality, octogenerians, odontoid fracture,
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

PURPOSE: The most common injuries to the upper cervical spine are fractures of the dens axis. Therefore, the purpose of our study was to answer three questions, namely (1) whether the size of the dens is adequate at all levels to accommodate two screws, (2) what the angle of the posterior tilt of the dens is in a healthy individual and (3) compare the measured variables between the sexes. METHODS: The cohort comprised 50 males and 50 females CT examination of the craniocervical junction. We measured the five diameters of the dens and posterior dens angulation angle (PDAA) and screw insertion angle (SIA). The same dimensions were measured in a control group, consisting of 40 non-pathological second cervical vertebrae specimens. RESULTS: On CT scans, the mean PDAA was 162.7 degrees in males and 160.26 degrees in females; the mean SIA was 62.0 degrees in males and 60.2 degrees in females. On specimens, the mean PDAA was 169.47 degrees in males and 166.95 degrees in females; the mean SIA was 65.42 degrees in males and 64.47 degrees in females. All obtained values were higher in males; regardless of their measuring on either CT scans or specimens, differences between males and females were statistically significant (p < 0.05) in a, c, d and e values. CONCLUSIONS: The values of our measurements correlate with the dimensions identified previously in other studies. Based on our clinical experience and measurements, we presume that two 3.5-mm screws can be inserted into the dens of all adult patients, except for those with pronounced anatomical anomalies. Posterior dens angulation angle is slightly larger than we expected. The dens is significantly larger in males almost in all measurement. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.

• Keywords
• C2 anatomy, C2 fracture, Dens fracture, Posterior dens angulation angle, Screw insertion angle,
• MeSH
• Odontoid Process * anatomy & histology   surgery   MeSH
• Spinal Fractures * pathology   surgery   MeSH
• Cohort Studies MeSH
• Bone Screws MeSH
• Cervical Vertebrae * anatomy & histology   surgery   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Tomography, X-Ray Computed MeSH
• Fracture Fixation, Internal MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH

The aim of this study is to evaluate the first results of the atlantoaxial fixation using polyaxial screw-rod system. Twenty-eight patients followed-up 12-29 months (average 17.1 months) were included in this study. The average age was 59.5 years (range 23-89 years). The atlantoaxial fusion was employed in 20 patients for an acute injury to the upper cervical spine, in 1 patient with rheumatoid arthritis for atlantoaxial vertical instability, in 1 patient for C1-C2 osteoarthritis, in 2 patients for malunion of the fractured dens. Temporary fixation was applied in two patients for type III displaced fractures of the dens and in two patients for the atlantoaxial rotatory dislocation. Retrospectively, we evaluated operative time, intraoperative bleeding and the interval of X-ray exposure. The resulting condition was subjectively evaluated by patients. We evaluated also the placement, direction and length of the screws. Fusion or stability in the temporary fixation was evaluated on radiographs taken at 3, 6, 12 weeks and 6 and 12 months after the surgery. As concerns complications, intraoperatively we monitored injury of the nerve structures and the vertebral artery. Monitoring of postoperative complications was focused on delayed healing of the wound, breaking or loosening of screws and development of malunion. Operative time ranged from 35 to 155 min, (average 83 min). Intraoperative blood loss ranged from 50 to 1,500 ml (average 540 ml). The image intensifier was used for a period of 24 s to 2 min 36 s (average 1 min 6 s). Within the postoperative evaluation, four patients complained of paresthesia in the region innervated by the greater occipital nerve. A total of 56 screws were inserted into C1, their length ranged from 26 to 34 mm (average, 30.8 mm). All screws were positioned correctly in the C1 lateral mass. Another 56 screws were inserted into C2. Their length ranged from 28 to 36 mm (average 31.4 mm). Three screws were malpositioned: one screw perforated the spinal canal and two screws protruded into the vertebral artery canal. C1-C2 stability was achieved in all patients 12 weeks after the surgery. No clinically manifested injury of the vertebral artery or nerve structures was observed in any of these cases. As for postoperative complications, we recorded wound dehiscence in one patient. The Harms C1-C2 fixation is a very effective method of stabilizing the atlantoaxial complex. The possibility of a temporary fixation without damage to the atlantoaxial joints and of reduction after the screws and rods had been inserted is quite unique.

• MeSH
• Atlanto-Axial Joint surgery   MeSH
• Odontoid Process injuries   surgery   MeSH
• Adult MeSH
• Spinal Fractures surgery   MeSH
• Spinal Fusion instrumentation   methods   MeSH
• Bone Nails MeSH
• Bone Screws MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Follow-Up Studies MeSH
• Joint Instability surgery   MeSH
• Osteoarthritis surgery   MeSH
• Aged, 80 and over MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Check Tag
• Adult MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Aged, 80 and over MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Clinical Trial MeSH