Ossification of posterior atlantoaxial membrane. Case illustration.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
SEARCH · Search PubMed
Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.
Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
OBJECT: Injuries of the occipitoatlantoaxial (Oc-C2) region are the predominant form of cervical injury in children younger than 10 years of age. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging can be used to visualize directly the traumatic ligamentous and soft-tissue abnormalities of the Oc-C2 region. A retrospective review was undertaken to examine the spectrum of pediatric Oc-C2 injuries seen on MR imaging, their correlation with plain x-ray film and computerized tomography findings, and their clinical course. METHODS: Seventy-one consecutive children younger than 10 years of age underwent cervical MR imaging for evaluation of traumatic injury. Magnetic resonance imaging was used to document abnormalities in 23 children; 20 of these injuries involved the Oc-C2 region. Abnormalities in the Oc-C2 region included disruptions of the musculature, apical ligament, atlantooccipital joint(s), tectorial membrane, and spinal cord. A spectrum of injury with progressive involvement of these structures was seen, ranging from isolated muscular injury to the multiple soft-tissue and ligamentous disruptions with craniocervical dislocation. Involvement of the tectorial membrane was the critical threshold in the transition from stable to unstable injury. Analysis of plain x-ray films revealed that a novel interspinous C1-2:C2-3 ratio criteria of greater than or equal to 2.5 was predictive of tectorial membrane abnormalities on MR imaging, with 87% sensitivity and 100% specificity. In patients with tectorial membrane abnormalities who underwent immobilization alone, interim platybasia was demonstrated on follow-up MR images. Conclusions. A progressive spectrum of distinct Oc-C2 injuries can occur in young children; the tectorial membrane is a critical stabilizing ligamentous structure in the Oc-C2 complex; and tectorial membrane abnormalities may be identified by a C1-2:C2-3 ratio of greater than or equal to 2.5.
The authors report the case of a 27-year-old woman with an arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (AMC) associated with atlantoaxial subluxation. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of its kind. The authors review the literature with reference to dysraphic abnormalities associated with atlantoaxial subluxation and with AMC. The patient presented with severe tetraparesis following a minor traffic accident. She underwent a procedure in which transoral decompression and dorsal stabilization were performed and, postoperatively, made a good clinical outcome. The authors stress the need for diagnostic neuroimaging of the craniocervical junction in patients with AMC.
Synovial chondromatosis is an uncommon disorder characterized by the formation of multiple cartilaginous nodules within the synovium, most commonly affecting large joints. Its involvement with the spine is rare; only six cases have been reported. The authors describe two patients with synovial chondromatosis involving the cervical spine. In the first case, synovial chondromatosis arose from the left C1-2 facet joint. This patient underwent a two-stage procedure including a posterior approach for tumor resection and occipitocervical fusion as well as a transmandibular circumglossal approach to the anterior craniocervical junction to complete the tumor removal. Interestingly, on histopathological examination, scattered foci of low-grade chondrosarcoma were intermixed within the synovial chondromatosis. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of secondary low-grade chondrosarcoma arising in vertebral synovial chondromatosis. In the second case, synovial chondromatosis involved the left C4-5 facet joint. Tumor resection and cervical fusion were performed via a posterior approach. In this report, the authors describe the clinical presentation, radiographic findings, operative details, histopathological features, and clinicoradiological follow-up data obtained in these two patients and review the literature pertaining to this rare entity.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Preliminary analysis of a follow-up study of one hundred patient with rheumatoid arthritis has lead to the following tentative conclusions: AAS is a common complication of rheumatoid arthritis. The incidence of AAS correlates with the duration of the disease. AAS is not necessarily associated with progressive myelopathy. AAS does not significantly affect survival in rheumatoid arthritis. AAS alone is not an indication for surgical operation, but this should be considered when there is intractable pain or progressive myelopathy.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
A functional radiographic examination of the craniovertebral zone was conducted in 600 normal adults and in 15 children. Normal peculiarities of the interrelationship of the atlantoaxial articulation found in 542 persons were classified. In 58 of them (9.7%) excessive mobility of the atlantoaxial articulations was found, 50 of them having a subluxation of the Cruveilhier joint with a dynamic narrowing of the vertebral canal. The remaining 8 persons had an excessive mobility of C1 along the axis of the dens of C2 overlapping half of the anterior arch of C1 above the apex of C2-dens. Such chronic disorders in the interrelationship of the craniovertebral zone elements caused no neurological disorders. However, in unfavourable cases, like forced movements of the head, a severe acute pathogenetic neurological situation may occur.
The first two cases of ossification of the transverse ligament are reported. This abnormality is rare, but it is important to know of its existence to avoid confusion with lesions of the posterior surface of the tooth of the axis.
A case of atlantoaxial subluxation accompanying pharyngitis is reported in a 4-year-old child. Diagnosis was made by examination and roentgenograms of the lateral cervical spine. Treatment consisted of halter traction and bracing. The patient responded well to treatment and is normal in all respects one year later. Atlantoaxial subluxation should be considered when treating pharyngitis, especially if the patient presents with torticollis.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
A follow-up study was done on fifty-seven spine fusions for atlanto-axial instability, classified as Type I - deficient odontoid (twenty-eight patients), Type II - deficient ligaments (twenty-three patients), and Type III - rotatory fixation (six patients). The average age of the patients at the time of the fusion was thirty years, and half had had significant trauma. Symptoms had been present for an average of 12.3 months before fusion. Preoperatively pain was the predominant complaint in twenty-nine; neurological complaints, in twenty-four; and instability in the rest. Of the forty-six Gallie fusions, there was one non-union and of the eleven occipitocervical fusions, two non-unions. Follow-up averaging 4.2 years revealed resolution of symptoms in almost all patients.