Combination Jefferson fracture of C1 and type II odontoid fracture requiring surgery: report of two cases.

Two cases of simultaneous Jefferson fracture of C1 and Type II odontoid fracture requiring surgical stabilization are reported. One patient required early stabilization because alignment could not be maintained in a halo vest, and the second patient required late stabilization for nonunion after a 3-month period of immobilization in a two-poster cervical brace. Although this uncommon injury can often be managed conservatively, surgical fusion will need to be considered in the setting of early or late instability.