Ossification of posterior atlantoaxial membrane causing spinal stenosis - A case report

Yen-Ting Liu; Chon-Haw Tsai; Po-Hao Huang; Po-Chang Wu

doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e18182

Ossification of posterior atlantoaxial membrane causing spinal stenosis - A case report

Heliyon. 2023 Jul 11;9(7):e18182. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e18182. eCollection 2023 Jul.

Authors

Yen-Ting Liu¹, Chon-Haw Tsai^{1

2}, Po-Hao Huang³, Po-Chang Wu^{1

3}

Affiliations

¹ School of Medicine, College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.
² Department of Neurology, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.
³ Rheumatology and Immunology Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.

Abstract

Background: Ossification of the posterior atlantoaxial membrane (PAAM) is a rare cause of spinal cord compression.

Case presentation: A 46-year-old woman with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and a 2-year history of slowly progressive gait disturbance underwent surgery for right knee stiffness and right lower limb mild weakness. A neurologic examination revealed brisk deep tendon reflexes (DTR) and spasticity in her four limbs. A computed tomography (CT) scan revealed spinal stenosis caused by ossification of the PAAM, a rare cause of spinal cord compression. The patient's lower limbs weakness and walking capability were ameliorated post-surgery.

Conclusions: Although the exact mechanism of ossification of PAAM remains unclear, chronic mechanical stress as well as persistent atlantoaxial instability may promote the development of the ossification.

Keywords: Case report; Ossification; Posterior atlantoaxial membrane; Spasticity; Spinal stenosis.

Publication types

Case Reports