title: Entrapment of the C2 root and ganglion by the atlanto-epistrophic ligament: clinical syndrome and surgical anatomy.
abstract: Two cases of progressive, occipital lancinating pain and dysesthesias associated with a sensory deficit of the C2 dermatome are presented. Symptoms were relieved, and C2 sensory function restored by releasing a hypertrophied atlanto-epistrophic ligament entrapping the C2 root and ganglion. The normal anatomy and abnormal surgical findings are described. C2 entrapment by the atlanto-epistrophic ligament is discussed in reference to other C2 lesions causing occipital pain. We conclude that some patients whose progressive occipital pain is accompanied by a C2 sensory deficit are suffering from entrapment of the C2 root and ganglion amenable to surgical decompression.
authors.affiliation: Neurosurgical Service, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston.
authors.forename: C E
authors.initials: CE
authors.lastname: Poletti
authors.forename: W H
authors.initials: WH
authors.lastname: Sweet
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005727:Ganglia, Spinal / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008023:Ligaments, Articular / Q000293:injuries / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D009408:Nerve Compression Syndromes / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D013126:Spinal Nerve Roots / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000150:complications