Type II Odontoid Fracture: A Case Report on Intraoperative Complication and Management

Type II odontoid fractures are recognized as unstable fractures, often necessitating surgical intervention. The anterior transodontoid screw technique emerges as a commonly employed surgical approach in such cases, with factors like age, osteoporosis, and the extent of fracture line displacement influencing surgical success. We report this case with the aim of highlighting the postoperative outcomes of a patient with a Type II odontoid fracture, focusing on the impact of an intraoperative complication resulting in an increased distance between the fracture lines. Our report sheds light on the management challenges posed by Type II odontoid fractures, particularly when complicated by intraoperative factors affecting fracture line alignment. This finding suggests that, in patients with favorable age and bone quality, monitoring rather than revision surgery might be appropriate.