====== Odontoid fracture clinical features ======

The frequency of fatalities at the time of the [[accident]] resulting directly from [[odontoid fracture]]s is unknown, it has been estimated as being between 25–40%. 82% of patients with Type II fractures in a review of 7 reports in the literature were neurologically intact, 8% had minor deficits of scalp or limb sensation, and 10% had significant deficits (ranging from monoparesis to quadriplegia).

Type III fractures are rarely associated with neurologic injury.

Common symptoms are high posterior [[cervical pain]], sometimes radiating in the distribution of the greater [[occipital nerve]] ([[occipital neuralgia]]). Almost all patients with high posterior cervical pain will also have paraspinal muscle spasm, reduced range of motion of the neck, and tenderness to palpation over the upper cervical spine. A very suggestive finding is the tendency to support the head with the hands when going between the upright and supine position. [[Paresthesia]]s in the upper extremities and slight exaggeration of muscle stretch reflexes may also occur. [[Myelopathy]] may develop in patients with non-union.