Anterior odontoid screw fixation of a type III odontoid fracture aided by transoral digital manipulation: illustrative case.

Background: Odontoid process fractures make up 10%-20% of all cervical spine fractures, with type III fractures having a considerable amount of heterogeneity. Most simple type III fractures can be managed nonoperatively. However, 21% of complex type III fractures with significant displacement and angulation are inadequately treated with external immobilization and require surgery.