[Fractures of the posterior arch of C2. Apropos of 34 cases].

The authors preferred the term of "fracture of the posterior arch of the axis", rather than the restrictive terms of bipedicular or bi-isthmic fractures commonly referred to in the literature. It was possible, from 34 cases to joint out 4 different figures of fractures of the posterior arch of axis: isthmus, body and articular process, pedicle and lamina. From this classification it is possible to get indications for surgical treatment, as some of those fractures need internal fixation and others not. On completing Xrays study with research of instability between C2-C3 it's possible to fix a standard management for those fractures. --at first reduction for many patients, then --immobilisation by a minerva cart in mostly cases --or surgical approach and internal fixation in case of diastasis or of bad reduction --anterior arthrodesis if needed (anterior instability) --or both posterior fixation and anterior arthrodesis.