We reviewed eleven patients less than seven years old with fractures of
the odontoid process in an effort to establish a more standard form of
treatment for the injury and to determine what complications, if any, occur
as a result of fractures of the odontoid process in pediatric patients. Our
study showed that children with odontoid fractures that are recognized and
treated promptly usually do well. The fracture can usually be reduced by
passive manipulation or by the "hanging head technique". Support in the
reduced position for two to three months in a Minerva jacket or halo cast
should be long enough to permit healing. Our study suggests that fractures
of the odontoid process in young patients almost always heal.