Der Chirurg; Zeitschrift für alle Gebiete der operativen Medizen
-
Injuries precede the vast majority of all odontoid pseudarthroses. Because of specific anatomic conditions type II injuries lead more often than other types to non unions. For its development insufficient internal or external fixation and a persisting fracture gap are crucial. ⋯ Therapeutical recommendations need to be differentiated. Unstable non unions are most often responsible for persistent pain, may result in acute or chronic myelopathy++ and therefore - as well as ossa odontoidea - need operative fixation. In considerably displaced non unions a closed reduction manoeuver with long term traction should be tried. The operative treatment of choice is the posterior transarticular screw fixation C1/C2 desirably in a percutaneous technique. Tight, "stable" pseudarthroses in the sense of a persisting fracture gap in painfree patients should first be controlled radiologically. If the odontoid position remains unchanged, non operative treatment may be continued.