odontoid fracture
Pronunciation: oh-DON-toyd FRAK-chur
A fracture of the odontoid process (dens) of the second cervical vertebra, classified by Anderson and D'Alonzo criteria.
Full Definition
An odontoid fracture is a break in the odontoid process, also called the dens, which is a tooth-like projection extending upward from the body of the axis (C2 vertebra). These fractures are classified into three types according to the Anderson and D'Alonzo classification system based on location. Type I fractures occur at the tip of the dens, Type II at the base of the dens, and Type III extend into the vertebral body. Type II fractures have the highest risk of nonunion due to poor blood supply and may require surgical fixation.
Usage
Usage note: Use Anderson and D'Alonzo classification when describing fracture types; odontoid and dens are interchangeable terms.
In Context
- "The elderly patient sustained a Type II odontoid fracture following a fall." — emergency department report
- "Surgical treatment of the odontoid fracture involved anterior screw fixation." — operative report