Study design: A retrospective study was performed to identify horizontal fractures of the body of the axis, with special attention to their pattern, prevalence, and clinical outcome.
Objective: The prevalence of this type of injury and the long-term clinical behavior are examined.
Summary of background data: Although isolated cases have been reported, horizontal Chance-type fractures of the body of the axis are not common cervical spine injuries.
Methods: The medical records of 674 consecutive patients with fractures of the cervical spine admitted to the authors' institute from 1970 to 2002 were reviewed. Of them, 2 (0.3%) had a horizontal Chance-type fracture of the body of the axis. Neurologic deficits were not diagnosed at admission. Mechanism of injury, treatment, and long-term follow-up were evaluated.
Results: Both patients were treated nonoperatively. At the latest follow-up, 3 and 12 years, respectively, both patients had a satisfactory clinical outcome.
Conclusion: Horizontal fractures of the Chance-type of the body of the axis are rare. Conservative treatment proved to be effective.