OBJECTIVE: Odontoid fractures make up 10-15% of all cervical fractures. Odontoid process fracture and ligament injury can end up with antero- and posterolisthesis at C1-2 complex, subluxation and spinal cord compression.

METHODS: In this study, 12 cases with odontoid fractures treated at our department were evaluated. The radiological investigations revealed no type I fracture, nine type II fractures and three type III fractures. Eight cases were operated and three cases were treated conservatively. Complete fusion was achieved with no complications in all cases.

CONCLUSION: Until the last decade, odontoid fractures were feared because of high morbidity and dramatic radiological and clinical findings. However, they have now become a curable, benign traumatic lesions thanks to developments in spinal surgery.