Abstract
Evaluating the effectiveness of conservative treatment of odontoid fractures, from 1997 to 1999 we reviewed 22 cases.
All were treated first in halo traction and subsequently by halo thoracic brace immobilisation. We used Anderson and D’Alonzo’s classification of types I to III. The mean follow-up time was seven months. Initial displacement was measured radiologically and union was evaluated.
In type-II fractures, the incidence of pseudarthrosis was 40%. Fractures with more than 5 mm of initial displacement and more than 10° angulation all went on to nonunion, suggesting that type-II fractures should be treated by internal fixation.
The abstracts were prepared by Professor M. B. E. Sweet. Correspondence should be addressed to him at The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Medical School, University of Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, 2193 South Africa
