A case of cervical myelopathy following chronic hypertrophic non-union type 2 odontoid fracture managed with posterior C1 decompression and C1-3 instrumentation: Case report and brief review of literature

Abstract

Background: Type 2 odontoid fractures are the most common type of fracture of the axis. In rare cases, nonunion of a type 2 odontoid fracture can be hypertrophic resulting in myelopathy due to cervical cord compression. Case Description: A 48-year-old male presented with hypertrophic nonunion of a chronic type 2 odontoid fracture resulting in cord compression/myelopathy. This was adequately treated utilizing a C1 decompression and C1-3 instrumented fusion; no anterior procedure was necessary. Conclusion: Here, we successfully treated a patient with a hypertrophic nonunion of a chronic type 2 odontoid fracture utilizing a posterior only approach consisting of a C1 laminectomy with C1-C3 fusion.