Use of simultaneous traction over a halo ring to achieve reduction of a type 2 odontoid fracture for anterior odontoid screw fixation

Introduction: Odontoid fractures are common. They represent 20% of all cervical trauma. There is a trend towards surgical stabilization. Fracture fixation with 1 or 2 anterior screws is standard operative treatment in younger population.

Presentation of case: A case of type 2 odontoid fracture. The fracture was fixed initially with a halo vest temporarily. The patient was later treated operatively with anterior odontoid screw fixation. Reduction of the fracture was achieved using a bivector traction over a halo ring. The patient achieved an anatomical reduction and a rigid fixation.

Discussion: Type 2 odontoid fracture is very controversial to treat. Several methods of fracture reduction have been described in the literature including Gardner-Wells Tongs and Mayfield head clamp. To our knowledge, fracture reduction with biverctor traction over a halo frame hasn't been described before in the literature.

Conclusion: Bivector traction over a halo ring can be used for intraoperative reduction of odontoid fracture.