Chance-type fractures of the axis.

STUDY

DESIGN

A retrospective study was performed to identify horizontal fractures of the body of the axis, with special attention to their pattern, prevalence, and clinical outcome.

OBJECTIVE

The prevalence of this type of injury and the long-term clinical behavior are examined.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Although isolated cases have been reported, horizontal Chance-type fractures of the body of the axis are not common cervical spine injuries.

METHODS

The medical records of 674 consecutive patients with fractures of the cervical spine admitted to the authors' institute from 1970 to 2002 were reviewed. Of them, 2 (0.3%) had a horizontal Chance-type fracture of the body of the axis. Neurologic deficits were not diagnosed at admission. Mechanism of injury, treatment, and long-term follow-up were evaluated.

RESULTS

Both patients were treated nonoperatively. At the latest follow-up, 3 and 12 years, respectively, both patients had a satisfactory clinical outcome.

CONCLUSION

Horizontal fractures of the Chance-type of the body of the axis are rare. Conservative treatment proved to be effective.