Surgical versus conservative treatment for odontoid fractures in older people: an international prospective comparative study

Jeroen G.J. Huybregts, Samuel B. Polak, Wilco C. Jacobs, Mark P. Arts, Bernhard Meyer, Maria Wostrack, Vicki M. Butenschön, Michael Osti, F. Cumhur Öner, Willem Bart M. Slooff, Ricardo E. Feller, Gert Joan Bouma, Biswadjiet S. Harhangi, Bart Depreitere, Øystein P. Nygaard, Clemens Weber, Kay Müller, Jake Timothy, Ferran Pellisé, Mikkel M. RasmussenErik W. van Zwet, Ewout W. Steyerberg, Wilco C. Peul, Carmen L.A. Vleggeert-Lankamp

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: The optimal treatment for odontoid fractures in older people remains debated. Odontoid fractures are increasingly relevant to clinical practice due to ageing of the population. Methods: An international prospective comparative study was conducted in fifteen European centres, involving patients aged ≥55 years with type II/III odontoid fractures. The surgeon and patient jointly decided on the applied treatment. Surgical and conservative treatments were compared. Primary outcomes were Neck Disability Index (NDI) improvement, fracture union and stability at 52 weeks. Secondary outcomes were Visual Analogue Scale neck pain, Likert patient-perceived recovery and EuroQol-5D-3L at 52 weeks. Subgroup analyses considered age, type II and displaced fractures. Multivariable regression analyses adjusted for age, gender and fracture characteristics. Results: The study included 276 patients, of which 144 (52%) were treated surgically and 132 (48%) conservatively (mean (SD) age 77.3 (9.1) vs. 76.6 (9.7), P = 0.56). NDI improvement was largely similar between surgical and conservative treatments (mean (SE) −11 (2.4) vs. −14 (1.8), P = 0.08), as were union (86% vs. 78%, aOR 2.3, 95% CI 0.97–5.7) and stability (99% vs. 98%, aOR NA). NDI improvement did not differ between patients with union and persistent non-union (mean (SE) −13 (2.0) vs. −12 (2.8), P = 0.78). There was no difference for any of the secondary outcomes or subgroups. Conclusions: Clinical outcome and fracture healing at 52 weeks were similar between treatments. Clinical outcome and fracture union were not associated. Treatments should prioritize favourable clinical over radiological outcomes.

Original languageEnglish
Article numberafae189
JournalAge and Ageing
Volume53
Issue number8
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Aug 2024
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • conservative treatment
  • odontoid fractures
  • older people
  • surgical treatment
  • treatment outcome

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