Combined Fractures of the Odontoid Process and Upper Thoracic Spine: A Case Report

Objective : This report presents a rare case of combined odontoid process and upper thoracic spine fractures, which are infrequently reported in the literature. Case : A 39-year-old male sustained a 4-meter fall, resulting in a posteriorly displaced type II odontoid fracture and a T5 burst fracture with rotation. Remarkably, no neurological deficit was observed. Methods : Anterior screw fixation stabilized the odontoid, while posterior fusion (T1-T7) addressed the thoracic injury. Results : Imaging suggested cervical hyperextension and thoracic flexion-rotation mechanisms. Stabilization was successful, with no postoperative neurological impairment. Conclusion : Combined fractures of the odontoid process and upper thoracic spine are rare, high-energy injuries with significant neurological risk. This case highlights effective management of a rare injury pattern and suggests limited canal compromise may preserve neurological function, offering insights for multilevel spinal trauma care.