Current Issue - July 2010, Volume 4, Issue No. 2

Objective: to assess the severity of neck pain and functional status (neck motion and return to pre-injury daily activity) in patients with type 2 odontoid fracture following conservative treatment by halo vest immobilization. Methodology: A retrospective cohort study of 21 patients with type 2 odontoid fracture treated conservatively with halo vest immobilization from January 2007 and followed-up till December 2009. Fracture union and complications related to treatment were documented. At the final follow up visit (1 year post injury), the patient’s neck pain, neck range of motion and return to pre-injury daily activities were assessed. Result: Twenty-one patients were included in the study. Fracture union was documented in 17 patients (81%); only 4 suffered from nonunion. Despite the good union rate, only 8 patients (38.1%) achieved a good neck range of motion and returned to pre injury daily activity. Neck pain was minimal in all patients. Conclusion: Type 2 odontoid fractures treated with halo vest results in good union and minimal residual neck pain; however, it causes neck stiffness.

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