Odontoid screw fixation

A type II odontoid fracture is a break that occurs through a specific part of second cervical bone in the neck. In an odontoid fracture, that peg of bone is broken at the base, which make it highly unstable fracture. This makes the surgery almost mandatory. This type of fractures are caused by trauma such as a fall or whiplash from a motor vehicle accident.

Surgery may be required if the fracture has resulted in neurologic symptoms and/or the spine has become unstable. The surgical option in such cases is a procedure called anterior screw fixation. During this procedure, the surgeon approaches the vertebra from the front of the neck and places a screw to hold the broken parts of the vertebrae in place. This surgery is very delicate and has to be done precisely under the guidance of fluoroscope. The screw is left in place while the bone heals.