Imaging of the Cervical Spine > Fractures > Odontoid

Odontoid Fractures

Radiographic features: fracture is best seen on lateral view.
Fracture of the odontoid should be suspected if there is an anterior tilt of odontoid on lateral view. The lucent fracture line may be better delineated by plain film tomogram or CT. Sometimes the only sign of fracture may be just prevertebral soft tissue swelling. Odontoid fractures are generally divided into three types.