Odontoid Synchondrosis Fracture Treated by C1-2 Polyaxial Screw-Rod Fixation

ABSTRACT

The synchondrosis between the dens and the body of axis normally fuses between 5 and 7 years of age. Until this age, synchondrosis fractures can occur in children. Most synchondrosis fractures are conventionally treated by external immobilization alone. We report a 10-year-old child with odontoid synchondrosis fracture who was treated by C1 lateral mass and C2 pars screw rod fixation with a successful outcome and discuss the possible reasons for occurrence of odontoid synchondrosis fracture in this older child as well as the indications for surgery in this condition.