Sequential treatment of concomitant odontoid fracture and lower cervical fracture-dislocation: A case report

This case report describes the treatment of a patient with both a fracture of the odontoid bone (a part of the second vertebra in the neck) and a severe fracture-dislocation in the lower neck (C6-7). The patient was successfully treated with initial closed reduction using cranial tong traction followed by anterior cervical decompression and fusion (ACDF) at the lower cervical levels. The odontoid fracture was treated conservatively, and the patient achieved solid bone fusion at both the odontoid fracture site and the fused cervical segments, although neurological function did not improve due to spinal cord necrosis.

• 1
  Emergency closed reduction with cranial tong traction can successfully reduce bilateral facet joint dislocations and odontoid fractures.
• 2
  Anterior cervical decompression and fusion (ACDF) can be performed to stabilize the lower cervical spine after successful closed reduction.
• 3
  Conservative treatment of odontoid fracture can be effective in conjunction with ACDF for lower cervical injuries, leading to solid bone fusion.