Double-level myelopathy due to atlantoaxial dislocation (os odontoideum) and subaxial cervical spondylosis with angular kyphosis

Surg Neurol Int. 2020 May 9:11:100. doi: 10.25259/SNI_104_2020. eCollection 2020.

Abstract

Background: The surgical management of cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) attributed to os odontoideum (OO with atlantoaxial instability atlantoaxial instability) and subaxial kyphosis together pose significant surgical challenges.

Case description: An elderly male presented with CSM/myelopathy and severe quadriparesis attributed to an unstable OO and 87° fixed, subaxial cervical kyphosis. After performing a 540° spinal cord decompression with atlantoaxial fixation, the patient did well.

Conclusion: Double-level CSM due to an unstable OO and subaxial kyphosis is rare and typically requires combined 540° decompression and stabilization.

Keywords: Anterior osteotomy; Cervical spine; Fixed cervical kyphosis; Pedicle screw fixation; Smith-Peterson osteotomy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports