Rigid cervical collar treatment for geriatric type II odontoid fractures.

Journal: European Spine Journal : Official Publication Of The European Spine Society, The European Spinal Deformity Society, And The European Section Of The Cervical Spine Research Society
Published:
Abstract

Objective: To evaluate fracture healing, functional outcomes, complications, and mortality associated with rigid cervical collars.

Methods: Thirty-four patients with <50% odontoid displacement were treated with a rigid cervical collar for 12 weeks (Average age = 84 years). Outcome scores were compared with a group of 40 age-matched control subjects (Average age 79.3).

Results: At average 14.9-month follow-up, only 6% demonstrated radiographic evidence of fracture healing and 70% had mobile odontoid nonunion. NDI scores indicated only mild disability, pain scores were low, and neither differed significantly from age-matched controls. Mobile odontoid nonunion was not associated with higher levels of disability or neck pain. Mortality rate was 11.8%. Treatment complications occurred in 6% of patients.

Conclusions: Odontoid nonunion and instability are high in geriatric patients treated with a rigid cervical collar. Fracture healing and stability did not correlate with improved outcomes. Outcomes did not differ significantly from age-matched cohorts.

Authors
Robert Molinari, Oner Khera, William Gruhn, Ryan Mcassey