Objective: The aim of the study was to look at the long-term effects of conservative management of odontoid peg fractures.
Methods: We reviewed 48 consecutive patients with type II (32) and 16 type III, odontoid peg fractures. The clinical & radiological outcomes were assessed over an average period of follow up of 8 years. Union rate was determined and we discussed several factors that may affect it. Patients were treated conservatively with an average period of bed rest of 4 weeks followed by bracing for an average of 9 weeks.
Results: Bony union was established in 25 of 32 (78%) type II fractures. Of 7 cases of no bony union 4 were stable probably with fibrous union. 3 remained unstable. In 13 of 16(83%) type III fractures bony union was established. 2 of the 3 with no bony union were considered stable.
Conclusion: Osseous non-union was higher in patients with displacement of >5 mm, but there is no correlation between union and age, gender or angulation of the fracture in both types.
Keywords: Axis; Non union; Odontoid peg; Spinal cord injury; Spinal injury.