C-1 and C-2 Fusion

[bladesofgrass]

New to the board, I had a unidentified type II Odontoid fracture. This went undetected for approx  2 years. When this was discovered by another Dr. a c1 c2 fusion took place.Im wondering if this was discovered earlier, what other interventions may have been a possibility? I'm very upset that this was missed by the neuro and especially for so long.Has anyone else had things missed? What occurred next? any suggestions? Comparisons of old xrays to new xrays note a subluxation of approximately 7mm posteriorly of the odontoid process relative to the C-2 body. Second thought, why not fuse 2-3 instead of 1-2?? I know that I am very blessed to be doing as well as I am. I do have some difficulties with balance, gait, slight tingling in fingers left side only. Thanks for any insight.

[bladesofgrass]

Thanks for your update. Im glad that you responded and had so much helpful information. No,I did not sustain a fall or auto accident. Docs are not sure what happened since this would have had to have been a high speed accident or a traumatic fall. I did take some aggressive workout /exercises classes however no major accidents. This is quite a mystery to me. Im just hoping that my walking improves as time goes on. It's just so frustrating to know if this was id earlier, the gait would have not progressed to this point. I am getting around however it is very difficult. It's beautiful today and Im stuck inside watching the world go by. Thanks again for your input.

[kittyluv1]

Welcome to the Back and Neck Community.  Members are non-professional and are here to assist and support individuals who are experiencing symptoms due to possible abnormal conditions of the spine.  Any advice given is based on personal experiences and should not be acted on unless confirmed with a treating physician.

How exactly did you sustain this fracture?  Did you have a motor vehicle accident or fall?
I ask only because if you were evaluated for a suspected C-spine injury due to either of the above, the fracture might have been identified earlier.  It is unfortunate that you did not get confirmation of this fracture for such a long time.  
The odontoid process is an upward toothlike projection of the C2 vertebra of the neck around which the C1 vertebra rotates.  Once a fracture is discovered the approach usually is a surgical fusion in order to stabilize the spine at this level and prevent any major neurological damage with any further subluxation.  I don't know if any other treatment options would have been considered before proceeding with surgery.
Because the injury is between the C1 and C2 vertebrae that is where the fusion is needed.  Lower level fusion at C2-C3 would not have handled the injury.
It is very fortunate that you did not sustain any major problems as a result of the delay in treatment.
I am currently six weeks postop anterior cervical discectomy and fusion C4-C7 and I can appreciate the significance of a C-spine injury.  My C3-C4 level has some degenerative changes that were not severe enough to be included with this fusion, but I am at risk for another surgery should further degenerative changes occur.  Thankfully there are skilled neurosurgeons who can perform these surgeries so successfully.
I hope that you continue to improve and that you are not limited too much by the symptoms you are currently experiencing.
Best wishes ----