REDUCTION AND INTERNAL FIXATION OF COMPLEX FRACTURES OF THE ODONTOID BY THE TRANSORAL APPROACH

REDUÇÃO E OSTEOSSÍNTESE DE FRATURA COMPLEXA DO ODONTOIDE POR VIA TRANSORAL

REDUCCIÓN Y FIJACIÓN INTERNA DE FRACTURAS COMPLEJAS DE LA ODONTOIDES POR LA VÍA TRANSORAL

ABSTRACT

Type II odontoid fractures with irreducible posterior displacement are uncommon, and can cause spinal cord compression, respiratory failure and even death. Treatment is usually surgical, with transoral decompression and posterior fusion or with reduction and fusion of C1-C2 by the transoral approach. We describe a case of type II odontoid fracture with irreducible posterior atlantoaxial dislocation that was treated exclusively by the transoral approach with osteosynthesis of the odontoid, thus preserving functional segmental mobility. Level of Evidence III; therapeutic study.

Keywords:
Atlanto-axial joint; Arthrodesis; Fracture fixation, internal; Odontoid process; Spinal injuries