Roy-Camille classification of odontoid process fracture

Last revised by Craig Hacking on 2 Aug 2021

The Roy-Camille classification of fractures of the odontoid process of C2 depends on the direction of the fracture line 1.

The level of fracture line as described by the Anderson and D’Alonzo classification is not predictive of the degree of instability or the risk of non-union. This classification scheme aids the management of odontoid fractures. In general, anterior oblique fractures are more stable than the posterior oblique fractures.

Classification

  • type I: oblique linear fracture in which its line slopes forward, with dens displacement in an anterior direction
  • type II: oblique linear fracture in which its line slopes backward, with dens displacement in a posterior direction
  • type III: horizontal fracture line and the dens displacement can be either anterior or posterior

History and etymology

The French orthopedic and trauma surgeon, Raymond Roy-Camille (1927-1994), was a key figure in the development of spinal surgery.

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