Aymeric Faure1, Solène Prost2, Nacer Mansouri3, Kaissar Farah3, Benjamin Blondel2, Stéphane Fuentes3. 1. Department of Orthopedics, University Hospital Center of la Timone, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France. Electronic address: aymeric.faure@gmail.com. 2. Department of Orthopedics, University Hospital Center of la Timone, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France. 3. Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Center of la Timone, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Odontoid fracture is the most common lesion of the cervical spine in persons age >70 years. Management of these fractures has become a public health issue. In this study, we evaluated bone fusion, early complications, and mortality in a cohort of patients age >75 years who underwent surgical management of odontoid fracture using the Harms technique. METHODS: This study is a retrospective analysis of 57 patients treated surgically between 2002 and 2016 in a single spine surgery institution. Age at diagnosis, comorbidities, and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score were analyzed. At a 6-month follow-up, bone healing was evaluated with computed tomography scans. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 85.5 ± 6.6 years, and 53% of the patients had an ASA score ≥3. According to the Anderson classification, 70% of the patients had a type 2 odontoid fracture. The average duration of follow-up was 15.7 months. Ten patients were lost to follow-up. The rate of early complications was 19%, with no mechanical complications reported. At a 6-month follow-up, a solid bony union was seen in all patients. The 1-year mortality was 14%. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical management of odontoid fractures in elderly patients using the Harms technique is associated with an excellent rate of bone healing with acceptable rates of early complications and mortality.
BACKGROUND:Odontoid fracture is the most common lesion of the cervical spine in persons age >70 years. Management of these fractures has become a public health issue. In this study, we evaluated bone fusion, early complications, and mortality in a cohort of patients age >75 years who underwent surgical management of odontoid fracture using the Harms technique. METHODS: This study is a retrospective analysis of 57 patients treated surgically between 2002 and 2016 in a single spine surgery institution. Age at diagnosis, comorbidities, and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score were analyzed. At a 6-month follow-up, bone healing was evaluated with computed tomography scans. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 85.5 ± 6.6 years, and 53% of the patients had an ASA score ≥3. According to the Anderson classification, 70% of the patients had a type 2 odontoid fracture. The average duration of follow-up was 15.7 months. Ten patients were lost to follow-up. The rate of early complications was 19%, with no mechanical complications reported. At a 6-month follow-up, a solid bony union was seen in all patients. The 1-year mortality was 14%. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical management of odontoid fractures in elderly patients using the Harms technique is associated with an excellent rate of bone healing with acceptable rates of early complications and mortality.