Odontoid Fractures

Overview

5 out of 5 (1 Reviews)

Credits

1.50

Pharmacology Credits

0.0

Post Assessment Questions

12

Start Date

1 Sep 2023

Last Review Date

3 Mar 2024

Expiration Date

31 Aug 2026

Estimated Time To Finish

90 Minutes


 
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Activity Description

The odontoid process, known as the dens, is a bony element extending superiorly from the second cervical vertebra (C2, or the axis). Fractures in the odontoid process region have paramount clinical significance due to their crucial role in enabling the most significant single component of lateral rotation in the cervical spine. The classification system, including the type I, type II, and type III fractures of the odontoid process, delineates the diverse presentations based on the location and morphology of the fracture. The primary mechanism of injury involves hyperflexion of the cervical spine, which forces the head and C1 vertebra backward. Odontoid fractures typically result from trauma, commonly occurring due to hyperflexion of the cervical spine. High-energy accidents often cause these fractures in younger patients, whereas lower-energy impacts are more common in older individuals.

Management aims to achieve fracture stability, usually by utilizing external immobilization methods such as a brace or a halo vest. Healing typically occurs within 12 weeks, with no instability or ligamentous injury. This activity reviews the etiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic evaluation, and contemporary management strategies for fractures of the C2 dens, empowering healthcare providers with the expertise required to address the complexities of odontoid fractures. This activity provides valuable insights into diagnosing and treating odontoid fractures and emphasizes the importance of the healthcare team's interdisciplinary collaboration for delivering the best patient outcomes.


Target Audience

This activity has been designed to meet the educational needs of physicians, physician associates, nurses, pharmacists, and nurse practitioners.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this activity, the learner will be better able to:

  • Identify the diverse mechanisms and risk factors associated with odontoid fractures.

  • Implement appropriate diagnostic and management strategies for odontoid fractures based on patient demographics and injury characteristics.

  • Select optimal treatment modalities, such as external immobilization or surgical intervention, based on fracture severity and patient factors.

  • Develop collaboration with interdisciplinary healthcare team members to ensure comprehensive management of odontoid fractures throughout the treatment continuum.

Disclosures

StatPearls, LLC requires everyone who influences the content of an educational activity to disclose relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies that have occurred within the past 24 months. Ineligible companies are organizations whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients. All relevant conflict(s) of interest have been mitigated. Hover over contributor names for financial disclosures. Others involved in planning this educational activity have no relevant financial relationships to disclose.

Commercial Support: This activity has received NO commercial support.

Continuing Education Accreditation Information

In support of improving patient care, StatPearls, LLC is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

 

Nurse Practitioners: StatPearls designates this activity for 1.50 ANCC contact hour(s), which includes 0 hour(s) of pharmacology. NPs should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Please consult your professional licensing board for information on the applicability and acceptance of continuing education credit for this activity.

Method of Participation and Credit

  1. Register for the activity.    
  2. Review the target audience, learning objectives, and disclosure information.
  3. Study the educational content of the enduring material.
  4. Choose the best answer to each activity test question. To receive credit and a certificate, you must pass the test questions with a minimum score of 100%.
  5. Complete the post-activity assessment survey.

If you have concerns regarding the CE/CME system, please contact support@statpearls.com.

Disclaimer

This educational activity was planned and produced in accordance with the ACCME Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education. Faculty may discuss investigational products or off-label uses of products regulated by the FDA. Readers should verify all information before employing any therapies described in this educational activity.

The information provided for this activity is for continuing education purposes only and is not meant to substitute for the independent medical/clinical judgment of a healthcare provider relative to diagnostic and treatment options of a specific patient’s medical condition. The information presented does not necessarily reflect the views of StatPearls or any commercial supporters of educational activities on statpearls.com. StatPearls expressly disclaims responsibility for any adverse consequences resulting directly or indirectly from information in the course, for undetected error, or through a participant's misunderstanding of the content.

Unapproved Uses of Drugs/Devices: In accordance with FDA requirements, the audience is advised that information presented in this continuing education activity may contain references to unlabeled or unapproved uses of drugs or devices. Please refer to the FDA-approved package insert for each drug/device for full prescribing/utilization information.

Cancellation Policy: Please see the cancellation policy. StatPearls, LLC reserves the right to cancel any course due to unforeseen circumstances.

 

 
 

Reviews

federico c. on 2/4/2024

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