Roy-Camille classification of odontoid process fracture

The Roy-Camille classification of fractures of the odontoid process of C2 depends on the direction of the fracture line .

The level of fracture line as described by the Anderson and D’Alonzo classification is not predictive of the degree of instability or the risk of non-union. This classification scheme aids the management of odontoid fractures. In general, anterior oblique fractures are more stable than the posterior oblique fractures.

Classification

• type I: oblique linear fracture in which its line slopes forward, with dens displacement in an anterior direction
• type II: oblique linear fracture in which its line slopes backward, with dens displacement in a posterior direction
• type III: horizontal fracture line and the dens displacement can be either anterior or posterior

History and etymology

The French orthopedic and trauma surgeon, Raymond Roy-Camille (1927-1994), was a key figure in the development of spinal surgery.