Odontoid fracture

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Odontoid process fracture (also known as the PEG or dens fracture) occurs where there is a fracture through the odontoid process of C2.

The mechanism of injury is variable, and can occur both during flexion or extension ⁵.

The commonest classification of these fractures is the Anderson and D'Alonzo classification ⁵:

type I
- rare
- fracture of the upper part of the odontoid peg
- above the level of the transverse band of the cruciform ligament
- usually considered stable
type II
- most common
- fracture at the base of the odontoid
- below the level of the transverse band of the cruciform ligament
- unstable
- high risk of non-union
type III
- through the odontoid and into the lateral masses of C2
- relatively stable if not excessively displaced
- best prognosis for healing because of the larger surface area of the fracture

Differential diagnosis

~~-<li>above the level of the transverse band of the <a title="cruciform ligament" href="/articles/cruciform-ligament">cruciform ligament</a>~~
+<li>above the level of the transverse band of the <a href="/articles/cruciform-ligament">cruciform ligament</a>

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Odontoid fracture

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Differential diagnosis

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