The odontoid process, known as the dens, is a bony element extending superiorly from the second cervical vertebra (C2, or the axis). Fractures in the odontoid process region have paramount clinical significance due to their crucial role in enabling the most significant single component of lateral rotation in the cervical spine. The classification system, including the type I, type II, and type III fractures of the odontoid process, delineates the diverse presentations based on the location and morphology of the fracture. The primary mechanism of injury involves hyperflexion of the cervical spine, which forces the head and C1 vertebra backward. Odontoid fractures typically result from trauma, commonly occurring due to hyperflexion of the cervical spine. High-energy accidents often cause these fractures in younger patients, whereas lower-energy impacts are more common in older individuals.Management aims to achieve fracture stability, usually by utilizing external immobilization methods such as a brace or a halo vest. Healing typically occurs within 12 weeks, with no instability or ligamentous injury. This activity reviews the etiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic evaluation, and contemporary management strategies for fractures of the C2 dens, empowering healthcare providers with the expertise required to address the complexities of odontoid fractures. This activity provides valuable insights into diagnosing and treating odontoid fractures and emphasizes the importance of the healthcare team’s interdisciplinary collaboration for delivering the best patient outcomes.
- Provider:StatPearls, LLC
- Activity Link: https://www.statpearls.com/ArticleLibrary/viewarticle/26136
- Start Date: 2023-09-01 05:00:00
- End Date: 2023-09-01 05:00:00
- Credit Details: AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™️: 1.5 hours
Nursing: 1.5 hours
Pharmacy: 1.5 hours - MOC Credit Details: ABS - 1.5 Point; Credit Type(s): Accredited CME (ABS)
ABOS - 1.5 Point; Credit Type(s): Accredited CME (ABOS)
ABPATH - 1.5 Point; Credit Type(s): Lifelong Learning (ABPATH)
ABA - 1.5 Point; Credit Type(s): Lifelong Learning (ABA)
ABIM - 1.5 Point; Credit Type(s): Medical Knowledge (ABIM)
ABS - 1.5 Point; Credit Type(s): Self-Assessment (ABS)
ABP - 1.5 Point; Credit Type(s): Lifelong Learning and Self-Assessment (ABP) - Commercial Support: No
- Activity Type: Enduring Material
- CME Finder Type: Online Learning
- Fee to Participate: Variable
- Measured Outcome: Learner Knowledge, Learner/Team Competence
- Provider Ship: Directly Provided
- Registration: Open to all
- Specialty: Adolescent Medicine, Ambulatory/Outpatient, Child Abuse Pediatrics, Critical Care Medicine, General Operative Anesthesia, General Orthopaedics, General Pediatrics, Geriatric Medicine, Hospital Medicine, Internal Medicine, Neurocritical Care, Orthopaedic Sports Medicine, Orthopaedic Trauma, Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery, Soft Tissue & Bone, Sports Medicine, Surgery of the Spine, Surgical Critical Care, Trauma