Respiratory arrest following posteriorly displaced odontoid fractures. Case reports and review of the literature.

Posterior displacement of the odontoid after fracture occurs much less frequently than does anterior displacement. Experience with four patients suggests that anatomic reduction may not be possible and prolonged attempts to gain reduction are not advisable. Those cases should be managed with early application of a halo vest. A rotating frame should be avoided. The potential for respiratory arrest, at least in the older individual, is great and can be precipitated even by a change of position in the process of turning on the rotating frame. The mechanism of the respiratory failure is obscure.