Comparing Surgical to Conservative Management in the Treatment of Type II Odontoid Fractures Among the Elderly

Inclusion Criteria: * All new type II odontoid fractures including \< those in which the fracture line crosses into the body of C2 \< as long as it doesn't enter the superior articular process of C2 * Age 65+ * Stable and unstable fractures * \< 3 months postinjury * No previous treatment for an odontoid fracture Exclusion Criteria: * Pathologic fractures unrelated to osteoporosis * Severe dementia or other severe mental health problem if there is no consentable surrogate available * Participating in other trials or unlikely to attend follow-ups