Effect of type II odontoid fracture nonunion on outcome among elderly patients treated without surgery: based on the AOSpine North America geriatric odontoid fracture study.

dc.contributor.author

Smith, Justin S

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Kepler, Christopher K

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Kopjar, Branko

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Harrop, James S

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Arnold, Paul

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Chapman, Jens R

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Fehlings, Michael G

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Vaccaro, Alexander R

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Shaffrey, Christopher I

dc.date.accessioned

2023-08-29T23:26:37Z

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2023-08-29T23:26:37Z

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2013-12

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2023-08-29T23:26:36Z

dc.description.abstract

Study design

Subgroup analysis of a prospective multicenter study.

Objective

Outcome analysis of nonoperatively treated elderly patients with type II odontoid fractures, including assessment of consequence of a fracture nonunion.

Summary of background data

Odontoid fractures are among the most common fractures in the elderly, and controversy exists regarding treatment.

Methods

Subgroup analysis of a prospective multicenter study of elderly patients (≥65 yr) with type II odontoid fracture. Neck Disability Index and Short-Form 36 (SF-36) version 2 were collected at baseline and 6 and 12 months. Fifty-eight (36.5%) of the 159 patients were treated nonoperatively.

Results

Of the 58 patients initially treated nonoperatively, 8 died within 90 days and were excluded. Of the remaining 50 patients, 11 (22.0%) developed nonunion, with 7 (63.6%) requiring surgery. Four of the 39 (10.3%) patients classified as having "successful union" required surgery due to late fracture displacement. Thus, 15 (30.0%) patients developed primary or secondary nonunion and 11 (22.0%) required surgery. The overall 12-month mortality was 14.0% (nonunion = 2, union = 5; P= 0.6407). For union and nonunion groups, Neck Disability Index and SF-36 version 2 declined significantly at 12 months compared with preinjury values (P< 0.05), except for SF-36 version 2 Physical Functioning (P= 0.1370). There were no significant differences in outcome parameters based on union status at 12 months (P> 0.05); however, it is important to emphasize that the 12-month outcomes for the nonunion patients reflect the status of the patient after delayed surgical treatment in the majority of these cases.

Conclusion

Nonoperative treatment for type II odontoid fracture in the elderly has high rates of nonunion and mortality. Patients with nonunion did not report worse outcomes compared with those who achieved union at 12 months; however, the majority of patients with nonunion required delayed surgical treatment. These findings may prove useful for patients who are not surgical candidates or elect for nonoperative treatment.

Level of evidence

2.
dc.identifier

00007632-201312150-00006

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0362-2436

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1528-1159

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https://hdl.handle.net/10161/28810

dc.language

eng

dc.publisher

Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)

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Spine

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10.1097/brs.0000000000000009

dc.subject

Odontoid Process

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Humans

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Fractures, Ununited

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Disability Evaluation

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Prospective Studies

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Fracture Healing

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Time Factors

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Aged

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Aged, 80 and over

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Health Services for the Aged

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North America

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Female

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Male

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Fractures, Bone

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Surveys and Questionnaires

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Outcome Assessment, Health Care

dc.title

Effect of type II odontoid fracture nonunion on outcome among elderly patients treated without surgery: based on the AOSpine North America geriatric odontoid fracture study.

dc.type

Journal article

duke.contributor.orcid

Shaffrey, Christopher I|0000-0001-9760-8386

pubs.begin-page

2240

pubs.end-page

2246

pubs.issue

26

pubs.organisational-group

Duke

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School of Medicine

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Clinical Science Departments

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Orthopaedic Surgery

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Neurosurgery

pubs.publication-status

Published

pubs.volume

38

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