Displaced Type II Odontoid Fracture with Congenital Proximal Cervical Spine Anomalies Treated with Noninvasive Halo Vest: Clinical, Functional And Radiological Outcome. A Case Report.
Abstract Study Design: A retrospective study. Objective: To evaluate the clinical, functional and radiological outcomes of noninvasive halo in the treatment of a displaced type 2 odontoid fracture in a patient with congenital proximal cervical spine anomalies. Case report: A 42 years old male applied to our institution 2 years ago with the complaint of neck pain after falling down from a 10 meters height. The patient was neurologically intact and diagnosed as displaced type 2 odontoid fracture. The patient had congenital elongated odontoid process and posterior fusion of C2-C3. Against medical advice the patient refused surgery and also refused the invasive halo vest. Noninvasive halo vest was applied for 8 weeks. The patient was followed up clinically radiologically and functionally. Results: Neurological status remained same till the last follow up which was ASIA E. VAS score was 9 initially and it was improved up to 2 during the last follow up. The patient had normal range of motion during the last follow up. Reduction of the fracture was maintained and fracture healed after 8 weeks confirmed by X-ray. Initially Patient had transient facial edema subsided by day 4, pressure ulcer which responded to dressing, also the patient had difficulties to chew hard food and self-hygiene. Conclusion : Noninvasive halo can be a salvage option to reduce type 2 displaced odontoid fractures. Maintaining range of motion of cervical spine especially in young patient with proximal cervical spine congenital anomalies. In addition it is more Cost effective than surgery.