Aheed Osman1, Nabil A Alageli2, D J Short3, W S El Masri3. 1. The Midlands Centre for Spinal Injuries, RJAH Orthopaedic Hospital, Oswestry, Shropshire, SY10 7AG, United Kingdom. 2. Tripoli Medical Centre, PO Box 80596, Zawia Street Office Tripoli, Libya. 3. The Midlands Centre for Spinal Injuries, Oswestry, Shropshire SY10 7AG, United Kingdom.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to look at the long-term effects of conservative management of odontoid peg fractures. METHODS: We reviewed 48 consecutive patients with type II (32) and 16 type III, odontoid peg fractures. The clinical & radiological outcomes were assessed over an average period of follow up of 8 years. Union rate was determined and we discussed several factors that may affect it. Patients were treated conservatively with an average period of bed rest of 4 weeks followed by bracing for an average of 9 weeks. RESULTS: Bony union was established in 25 of 32 (78%) type II fractures. Of 7 cases of no bony union 4 were stable probably with fibrous union. 3 remained unstable. In 13 of 16(83%) type III fractures bony union was established. 2 of the 3 with no bony union were considered stable. CONCLUSION: Osseous non-union was higher in patients with displacement of >5 mm, but there is no correlation between union and age, gender or angulation of the fracture in both types.
OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to look at the long-term effects of conservative management of odontoid peg fractures. METHODS: We reviewed 48 consecutive patients with type II (32) and 16 type III, odontoid peg fractures. The clinical & radiological outcomes were assessed over an average period of follow up of 8 years. Union rate was determined and we discussed several factors that may affect it. Patients were treated conservatively with an average period of bed rest of 4 weeks followed by bracing for an average of 9 weeks. RESULTS: Bony union was established in 25 of 32 (78%) type II fractures. Of 7 cases of no bony union 4 were stable probably with fibrous union. 3 remained unstable. In 13 of 16(83%) type III fractures bony union was established. 2 of the 3 with no bony union were considered stable. CONCLUSION: Osseous non-union was higher in patients with displacement of >5 mm, but there is no correlation between union and age, gender or angulation of the fracture in both types.
Authors: K A Greene; C A Dickman; F F Marciano; J B Drabier; M N Hadley; V K Sonntag Journal: Spine (Phila Pa 1976) Date: 1997-08-15 Impact factor: 3.468