A fracture of the odontoid bone (also called the dens), is an upward extension of C2 cervical vertebrae (i.e., axis) up into the C1 cervical vertebrae (i.e., atlas) and is held in place partially by the alar, apical and transverse ligaments. There are three types of dens fractures with type II being the most common.
Type II Odontoid Fracture This injury occurs most typically when there is an excessive extension of the cervical spine, and the anterior arch of C1 pushes dorsally (backward) with sufficient force on the odontoid process (dens) to fracture the odontoid process at its base.
A type III odontoid fracture is a fracture through the body of the C2 vertebrae and may involve a variable portion of the C1 and C2 facets.
A type II odontoid fracture is a break that occurs through a specific part of C2, the second bone in the neck. Bones of the spine are called vertebrae. The bone involved in odontoid fracture is the second vertebra, C2, high up in the neck.
C1 and C2 vertebrae. The C1 vertebra, also called atlas, is shaped like a ring. The C2 vertebra has an upward-facing long bony process called the dens. The dens forms a joint with the C1 vertebra and facilitates its turning motions, thereby allowing the head to turn in different directions.
The dens (odontoid process) of the axis exists as a superior projection from the C2 vertebral body and is conical in shape and serves as an attachment site for the transverse, apical, and alar ligaments [1-2].
The odontoid process, also known as the dens, is an upward projectile of bone that arises from the front part of the center of the axis vertebra. (The axis is the 2nd highest spinal bone.) The atlas is the first bone of your neck; it sits on top of the axis.
These fractures can alter the biomechanics (movement) of the cervical spine leading to pain, neurologic problems (numbness in the back, legs, and arms), and decreased stability. Sometimes these fractures are missed or left untreated, and they can be associated with increased morbidity (disease) in older patients.
The odontoid process (also dens or odontoid peg) is a protuberance (process or projection) of the Axis (second cervical vertebra). It exhibits a slight constriction or neck, where it joins the main body of the vertebra.
Dens. The dens, also called the odontoid process or the peg, is the most pronounced projecting feature of the axis. The dens exhibits a slight constriction where it joins the main body of the vertebra.
Table 2.ComplicationPatients (%)Major complications18 (17.5)Death7 (6.8)Unplanned reoperation6 (5.8)Failure to wean/re-intubation5 (4.9)18 more rows•May 16, 2017
These fractures can alter the biomechanics (movement) of the cervical spine leading to pain, neurologic problems (numbness in the back, legs, and arms), and decreased stability. Sometimes these fractures are missed or left untreated, and they can be associated with increased morbidity (disease) in older patients.
Table 2.ComplicationPatients (%)Major complications18 (17.5)Death7 (6.8)Unplanned reoperation6 (5.8)Failure to wean/re-intubation5 (4.9)18 more rows•May 16, 2017
Injuries to the C1 and C2 vertebrae are rare, accounting for only 2% of spinal injuries each year. However, they are also considered to be the worst spinal cord injury that it is possible to sustain, and often fatal.
The odontoid process (also dens or odontoid peg) is a protuberance (process or projection) of the Axis (second cervical vertebra). It exhibits a slight constriction or neck, where it joins the main body of the vertebra.
Nondisplaced Type II dens fracture, subsequent encounter for fracture with routine healing 1 S12.112D is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes. 2 Short description: Nondisplaced Type II dens fracture, subs for fx w routn heal 3 The 2021 edition of ICD-10-CM S12.112D became effective on October 1, 2020. 4 This is the American ICD-10-CM version of S12.112D - other international versions of ICD-10 S12.112D may differ.
Use secondary code (s) from Chapter 20, External causes of morbidity, to indicate cause of injury. Codes within the T section that include the external cause do not require an additional external cause code. Type 1 Excludes.
The ICD code S121 is used to code Hangman's fracture. A hangman's fracture is the colloquial name given to a fracture of both pedicles or pars interarticularis of the axis vertebra (C2) (or epistropheus). Specialty:
Use a child code to capture more detail. ICD Code S12.11 is a non-billable code.