[Os odontoideum. A neurologic syndrome after orthopedic reduction of a C1-C2 subluxation].
A case of os odontoideum associated with a C1-C2 subluxation is described. During the reduction procedure by external manipulation, bulging of the membrana tectoria resulted into medullary compression followed by a neurological syndrome. An occipito-C2 arthrodesis was performed later on when the neurological status recovered back to normal. The case reported underlines the possibility of neurological damage following closed reduction of a C1-C2 subluxation, while the surgical procedure should not be incriminated. The pathogenic mechanism may not be properly understood if closed reduction is followed by surgical treatment during the same session.
Himmer
O
O
Service d'orthopédie, Clinique Saint-Luc, Namur, Belgique.
Vancalster
A
A
Lootvoet
L
L
Ghosez
J P
JP
D001268:Atlanto-Axial Joint / Q000293:injuries*; D001368:Axis, Cervical Vertebra / Q000601:surgery; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000628:therapy*; D017846:Longitudinal Ligaments / Q000293:injuries; D008349:Manipulation, Orthopedic; D009777:Occipital Bone / Q000601:surgery; D009809:Odontoid Process / Q000293:injuries*; D013117:Spinal Cord Compression / Q000209:etiology*; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000150:complications*; D013123:Spinal Fusion; D013577:Syndrome