Atlantoaxial subluxation associated with ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament of the cervical spine.
METHODS
Two case reports.


OBJECTIVE
To demonstrate two rare cases of atlantoaxial subluxation associated with ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament of the cervical spine, in which spastic quadriplegia developed.


BACKGROUND
There are only two reports of an association of diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis with atlantoaxial subluxation. This condition often accompanies ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament of the cervical spine, but there is nothing in the literature about the association of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament with atlantoaxial subluxation.


METHODS
Clinical and radiographic findings of these two cases were demonstrated. In both cases laminoplasty of the cervical spine was performed with occipitoaxial arthrodesis.


RESULTS
The spastic quadriplegia of these two patients caused by myelocompression improved after surgical intervention.


CONCLUSIONS
Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament of the cervical spine may cause atlantoaxial subluxation.
Takasita
M
M
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Oita Medical University, Japan. Takasita@oita-med.ac.jp
Matsumoto
H
H
Uchinou
S
S
Tsumura
H
H
Torisu
T
T
D000368:Aged; D001368:Axis, Cervical Vertebra / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D001270:Cervical Atlas / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016916:Joint Deformities, Acquired / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D007593:Joint Instability / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017887:Ossification of Posterior Longitudinal Ligament / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D011859:Radiography