Delayed Nonunion of a Type II Odontoid Fracture, after Apparent Bony Fusion: Case Report.
- Author:
Eui Jung KIM
1
;
Weon Gyu CHOI
;
Hyeong Geun JOO
;
Chang Won CHO
;
Sung Moon YOON
Author Information
1. Department of Neurosurgery, Dong Gang Hospital, Ulsan, Korea.
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Delayed nonunion;
Type II odontoid fracture
- MeSH:
Adult;
Female;
Follow-Up Studies;
Humans;
Neck;
Odontoid Process;
Precipitating Factors;
Spine
- From:Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
1996;25(9):1890-1895
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
We managed a 27-year-old woman, who suffered from a type II odontoid fracture, with a halo-vest. After 12 weeks, we confirmed bony fusion on cervical spine CT and managed her with a neck collar. During the OPD follow up, we checked the cervical spine film every 1 month. After two and half months, displaced odontoid process was noted on routine cervical film, and a bony gap was found at the previous fracture wite on cervical spine CT. There is only one report in the literlature describing a nonunion after radiographically confirmed healing of a type II odontoid fracture. We report this case in order to emphasize the importance of scheduled follow up examination and evaluate precipitating factors of delayed nonunion of odontoid fracture.
