Duration of External Neck Stabilisation following odontoid fracture in older or frail adults: a randomised controlled trial of collar versus no collar

The Duration of External Neck Stabilisation (DENS) study is a randomised controlled trial comparing early removal of a hard collar with treatment in a hard collar for 12 weeks in older or frail adults with odontoid (dens) fractures. The primary outcome measure is QoL assessed using the EQ-5D-5L at 12 weeks following injury.  The aim of the study is to determine whether management without a collar improves outcome, compared to management with a collar. Cost efficiency will be assessed over the observed 12 months using standard NICE reference case methodology.