Background context: Irreducible anteriorly displaced odontoid fractures are usually treated with posterior atlantoaxial fusion.
Purpose: To present an alternative for fracture reduction and anterior stabilization for displaced odontoid fractures.
Study design: A technique for reduction of odontoid fractures is reported.
Patient sample: Case study of a single patient with an odontoid fracture.
Outcome measures: Only fracture reduction and fracture healing were evaluated.
Methods: After a failed trial of closed reduction with skeletal traction, a patient with an anteriorly displaced odontoid fracture was taken to the operating room for attempted closed reduction and odontoid screw placement.
Results: Fracture reduction was achieved with routine maneuvers supplemented by posterior translation through direct oropharyngeal pressure with a padded laryngoscope blade.
Conclusions: Direct transoral reduction of odontoid fractures is safe and feasible and can be used to assist in reduction of anteriorly displaced fractures.