What is the dens in relation to odontoid fractures?
Odontoid process of C2 (axis)
Critical for C1–C2 rotation and upper cervical stability.
What are the functions of the alar ligaments?
Sudden forced rotation/lateral bending can tension the ligament and avulse the tip of the dens, leading to Type I fractures.
What does a Type I fracture indicate?
Tip of dens avulsion, usually stable but indicates potential ligament injury
Can signal occipito-cervical instability, not always benign.
What is the Anderson–D’Alonzo classification for odontoid fractures?
Type II is unstable with poor blood supply and highest non-union rates.
What are the mechanisms of injury for Type II fractures?
Hyperextension (± axial load), classic in elderly falls & RTAs
Type II fractures are unstable and have a high risk of non-union.
What is occipito-cervical instability (OCI)?
Failure of ligamentous restraints between skull and C1/C2
Usually traumatic; can occur with minimal bony injury, posing risks to the brainstem and upper spinal cord.
What is the definitive treatment for occipito-cervical instability?
Occipito-cervical fusion
MRI is key for diagnosis.
What is the purpose of an anterior odontoid screw in surgical management?
Compresses fracture from C2 body → dens
Preserves C1–C2 rotation and is best for young patients with acute, reducible, non-comminuted fractures.
What are the characteristics of a posterior C1–C2 fusion?
Best for elderly, osteoporosis, comminution, non-union, and ligament injury with the highest fusion rates.
What is the big picture logic regarding odontoid fractures?
Type II fractures are the problem fractures, while Type I fractures are small but may indicate significant instability.
Complete the one-liner: Odontoid fractures are classified by location; Type II fractures are unstable with high non-union, Type III heal well, and Type I may indicate dangerous __________.
ligamentous occipito-cervical instability
This classification helps in understanding the risks associated with each type of fracture.
What is Thoracic outlet syndrome?
Compression of the neurovascular bundle (brachial plexus, subclavian artery, and/or subclavian vein) as it passes from the neck to the upper limb through the thoracic outlet
This condition can lead to various symptoms depending on the structures affected.
What are the three structures that can be compressed in Thoracic outlet syndrome?
The brachial plexus is the most commonly affected structure.
Narrowing in Thoracic outlet syndrome can occur at which three locations?
These locations are critical in understanding the potential sites of compression.
List five causes/risk factors for Thoracic outlet syndrome.
Other factors include repetitive overhead activity and trauma (e.g. whiplash).
What is the most common type of Thoracic outlet syndrome?
Neurogenic TOS
It accounts for approximately 70–90% of cases.
What are the symptoms of Neurogenic Thoracic outlet syndrome?
Often, the neuro exam appears normal with no objective deficit early on.
What are the symptoms of Venous Thoracic outlet syndrome?
Classic presentation includes Paget–Schrötter syndrome (effort-induced axillo-subclavian vein thrombosis).
What are the symptoms of Arterial Thoracic outlet syndrome?
Signs may include reduced pulses, bruits, and blood pressure differences.
What does Adson’s test evaluate?
Scalene triangle
It involves neck extension, ipsilateral rotation, and a deep breath; a positive test reproduces symptoms or pulse loss.
What does the Roos test (EAST - Elevated Arm Stress Test) assess?
The entire thoracic outlet
Arms are abducted and elbows flexed while repeatedly opening hands; a positive result indicates pain, paresthesia, or heaviness.
What does Wright’s test evaluate?
Subcoracoid space
It involves arm hyperabduction; a positive result indicates symptoms or pulse loss.
What is the diagnosis approach for Thoracic outlet syndrome?
Provocative tests are not definitive for diagnosis.
What are the management principles for Thoracic outlet syndrome?
Conservative management is preferred initially.