Odontoid base hypodensity and its role in type II fracture risk and nonunion: a CT study

The odontoid base appears to be a structurally vulnerable zone with reduced trabecular density. This hypodensity may help explain the high incidence and may be associated with nonunion of type II odontoid fractures, particularly in elderly patients; however, biomechanical and clinical studies are required before informing definitive treatment recommendations.