Table 2 Selection criteria

Inclusion criteria

• At least 55 years old

• Acute type II and III odontoid fracture based on the classification by Anderson and d’Alonzo (possibly in combination with other fractures); diagnosed using computed tomography

• Less than two weeks post injury

• Informed consent

Exclusion criteria

• Rheumatoid arthritis

• Ankylosing spondylitis

• Previous treatment for odontoid fracture

• Communication with patient is hampered (e.g. language barrier, severe cognitive impairment, coma)