Management and Outcome of Dens Fracture Nonunions in Geriatric Patients (original) (raw)

The Journal of bone and joint surgery. American volume, 2016

Abstract

Dens fractures are known to have high rates of pseudarthrosis. The aim of this study was to define clinical and radiographic long-term outcomes, specifically in relation to osseous union, cervical spine movement, neurological sequelae, and quality of life, in a geriatric cohort (sixty-five years of age or older) treated operatively or nonoperatively for a dens fracture nonunion. Forty-four patients (twenty-eight women and sixteen men; average age, seventy-two years) met the inclusion criteria and were enrolled in this study. Sixteen patients (36%) underwent operative stabilization with posterior cervical arthrodesis, and twenty-eight (64%) were treated nonoperatively with a predefined protocol. All patients had a post-treatment follow-up period of at least five years. Radiographic evaluation showed osseous union at the site of the C1-C2 arthrodesis in all sixteen patients who had undergone surgical treatment. Clinical follow-up revealed that fourteen had satisfactory results followi...

Patrick Platzer hasn't uploaded this paper.

Create a free Academia account to let Patrick know you want this paper to be uploaded.

Ask for this paper to be uploaded.