Hyperflexion trauma in the posttraumatic nonunion odontoid process fracture: A case study

Abstract

Os odontoideum is a small round or oval corticated ossicle with a smooth cortical border and no body union to the body of the axis. Posttraumatic injury of the cervical spine is one of the etiologies. We reported a 28-year-old man patient with os odontoideum presented with a trivial hyperflexion cervical trauma. He developed neurogenic shock and central cord syndrome. This case supports the theory that previous trauma is the etiology of the abnormality. Surgical management alleviated his symptom. Occipitocervical fusion with C1 laminectomy was successfully achieved in this case. Odontoid nonunion is a potentially a serious situation. Patients can develop late neurological deficits if conservative treatment is undertaken. Considering prophylactic surgical stabilization in the asymptomatic patient may be relatively indicated in younger patients with active lifestyles.