Oblique odontoid fracture. Case report and review of the literature.

The case of a 89 year old patient with an oblique odontoid fracture is reported. The fracture was oblique extending from the middle of the anterior aspect of the dens to the posterior junction with the body. There was also posterior displacement. This fracture was different from the previously reported two vertical fractures of the odontoid. The possible mechanism of the lesion, and the management of this patient are discussed.