![]() 4Ī 19-year-old male patient with no known comorbid conditions was involved in a vehicular crash. However, controversy still exists on the ideal management plan on whether to do surgery (and what type) or continue non-surgical measures in those patients who are already delayed in their presentation. Type I is usually managed non-surgically, while type II and III requires a method of surgical stabilisation. 5 The universally accepted Anderson and D'Alonzo classification divides odontoid fractures into I-tip/apex, II-neck and III-base. Those neglected odontoid fractures thus result in an array of problems, often more difficult to address than symptoms present at the initial injury. 4 Missed diagnosis is not infrequent due to a multitude of factors from lack of technical expertise to lack of quality imaging at the receiving trauma centre. As mentioned, patients often perish at the site of accident and those still alive present with a myriad of symptoms from neck pain to paralysis. 3 Fracture of the dens/odontoid process of the axis (C2 vertebra) comprise 9%–20% of cervical spine injuries. Collectively, they encase and protect the brainstem, the upper cervical spinal cord and lower cranial nerves. 2 The CCJ consists of the occiput, atlas and axis with their corresponding robust ligamentous attachments. 1 Among these high-speed trauma patients, approximately 3%–7% sustain a cervical spine injury including the craniocervical junction (CCJ). Between 20 and 50 million people suffer from road traffic crashes yearly, with many incurring a disability as a result of their injury.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |