Odontoid Fractures

Overview

5 out of 5 (1 Reviews)

Credits

1.50

Post Assessment Questions

12

Start Date

1 Jan 2021

Last Review Date

3 Mar 2024

Expiration Date

31 Dec 2023

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.

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

The Campbell University Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine (CUSOM) requires instructors, planners, managers, and other individuals who are in a position to control the content of this activity to disclose any real or apparent conflict of interest they or their immediate family may have as related to the content of this activity. All identified conflicts of interest are thoroughly vetted by CUSOM for resolution, to ensure fair balance, scientific objectivity of studies mentioned in the materials or used as the basis for content, and appropriateness of patient care recommendations.

CUSOM will identify, review, and resolve all conflicts of interest that faculty, authors, activity directors, planners, managers, peer reviewers, or relevant staff disclose prior to an educational activity being delivered to learners. Disclosure of a relationship is not intended to suggest or condone bias in any presentation but is made to provide participants with information that might be of potential importance to their evaluation of a presentation. Disclosure information for authors, editors, planners, peer reviewers, and/or relevant staff is provided with this activity.

Continuing Education Accreditation Information

 

 

The Campbell University Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine (CUSOM) is accredited by the American Osteopathic Association to provide osteopathic continuing medical education for physicians. CUSOM designates this enduring material for a maximum of 1.50 AOA Category 1 B Credits and will report CME credits commensurate with the extent of the physician's participation in the activity.

Cancellation Policy: Cancellations must be received in writing and a money back guarantee is provided if not completely satisfied.

  • StatPearls and CUSOM reserve the right to cancel any course due to unforeseen circumstances. StatPearls and CUSOM will not be responsible for other expenses incurred by the participant in the unlikely event that the program is canceled.

Equal Opportunity

  • StatPearls and CUSOM are Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action / Equal Access Institutions. 

Medium or Media Used:

  • Computer Requirements:  Internet Access
  • E-mail Address

Instructions for Credit

  1. Register for the activity and create a StatPearls login.     
  2. Review the required accreditation information:  Target audience, learning objectives and disclosure information.
  3. Complete the entire self-study activity.
  4. Complete the post-test assessments.
  5. Successfully pass the post-test with a minimum score of 100%.
  6. Complete the evaluation form.
  7. Obtain a certificate.

StatPearls and CUSOM adheres to AOA Standards regarding commercial support of continuing medical education. It is the policy of StatPearls and Campbell that the faculty and planning committee disclose real or apparent conflicts of interest relating to the topics of this educational activity, that relevant conflict(s) of interest are resolved and also that authors and editors will disclose any unlabeled/unapproved use of drug(s) or device(s) during their presentation. Detailed disclosure will be made prior to starting the activity.

The information provided at this CME/CE 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.

This course is intended for osteopathic physicians who wish to earn AOA CME credit. Take this version of the course to ensure you receive appropriate credit.

 

 
 

Reviews

federico c. on 2/4/2024

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