A cervical myelopathy due to invaginated laminae of the axis into the spinal canal

Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2004 Feb 15;29(4):E82-4. doi: 10.1097/01.brs.0000109764.95104.33.

Abstract

Study design: A case report and review of previous literature are presented.

Objective: The objective of this manuscript was to report a case of cervical myelopathy due to anomalous laminae of the axis in a patient with spina bifida.

Summary of background data: In previous studies, few cases of invaginated anomalous laminae of the axis have been reported. Treatment was surgical removal of the invaginated laminae.

Methods: The patient's history, clinical examination, imaging findings, and treatment were reported.

Results: Characteristic findings were revealed from imaging studies, a multiplane reconstruction of the CT images, and a stereolithographic model of the cervical spine. The patient was treated with a posterior decompressive operation. The outcome was satisfactory, with an improvement in the patient's neurology.

Conclusions: This is a report of a rare characteristic anomaly of the laminae of the axis. A multiplane reconstruction of the CT images and a stereolithographic model were useful for treatment of this case. Possible causes of this anomaly may be the failure of ossification or fusion of the embryological term.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Axis, Cervical Vertebra / abnormalities*
  • Axis, Cervical Vertebra / diagnostic imaging
  • Axis, Cervical Vertebra / surgery
  • Decompression, Surgical
  • Humans
  • Imaging, Three-Dimensional
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neck / diagnostic imaging
  • Spinal Canal / diagnostic imaging*
  • Spinal Cord Compression / diagnostic imaging
  • Spinal Cord Compression / etiology*
  • Spinal Cord Compression / surgery
  • Spinal Cord Diseases / complications*
  • Spinal Cord Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Spinal Cord Diseases / surgery
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed