SUMMARY
To evaluate and compare the clinical and radiographic results between temporary C1-C2 pedicle screw fixation and cable-dragged reduction and cantilever beam internal fixation. Between 2010 and 2013, temporary C1-C2 pedicle screw fixation (Group P, 28 patients) and cable-dragged reduction following cantilever beam internal fixation (Group C, 33 patients) were performed on type ? odontoid fracture cases. Implants were removed after fracture union. All of the 61 surgeries were performed successfully with no iatrogenic neurological worsen. One patient in Group P detected intra-operative vertebral artery injury. All patients gained fracture union. Among the observed indexes, only blood loss in Group P (128.9±73.9ml) is statistically higher than in Group C (97.3±54.2ml). Pedicle screw fixation carries the risk of vertebral artery injury, especially in patients with high-riding vertebral artery. Cable-dragged reduction following cantilever beam internal fixation could avoid the potential risk of vertebral injury, but it prolonged the fixed segments. We thought cable-dragged reduction following cantilever beam internal fixation could be an alternative method for treating type ? odontoid fracture.