The management of odontoid fractures through the lens of evolution in classification schemes: A systematic review with illustrative case examples.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Odontoid fractures account for approximately 15% of all cervical spine fractures. Despite numerous classification systems, controversy persists regarding the ideal treatment of these fractures, especially in elderly and medically frail patients.

Research question

This article aims to provide a systematic review of odontoid fracture classifications and assess their clinical applicability.

Material and methods

A systematic literature review was conducted in PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases using the terms "odontoid", "fracture", and "classification". Articles published between 1974 and 2024 were analyzed and those containing odontoid fracture classifications were included.

Results

Four hundred and fifty-seven articles were identified, and 32 we

SUBMITTER: Dantas FLR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11870227 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature