ODONTOID PEG FRACTURES Flashcards
1
Q
What causes these types of fractures ?
A
High energy mechanisms in young patients e.g RTC.
Low energy mechanisms in elderly osteoporotic patients eg fall from own height.
2
Q
What is the usual mechanism of injury for odontoid peg fractures ?
A
Hyperextension. The bony ring of C2 to impact the odontoid peg.
3
Q
Describe the three types of fractures according to the D’Alonzo classification system ?
A
Type 1
A stable avulsion fracture at the tip of the odontoid peg pulled away by the alar ligament.
Type 2
Transverse fracture to the base of the odontoid peg. (Comminuted and risk of AVN due to disrupted blood supply.)
Type 3
Fracture to the base of the odontoid peg with fracture line also passing through the lateral masses. usually considered stable.
