Cervical myelopathy caused by anomalies at the level of atlas.
METHODS
Case report.


OBJECTIVE
To report a case of cervical myelopathy due to simultaneous anomalies at the level of atlas involving hypoplasia of the posterior arch of the atlas, partial ossification of the transverse atlantal ligament, and hypertrophy of the dens.


BACKGROUND
Hypoplasia of the posterior arch of the atlas, ossification of the transverse atlantal ligament, and hypertrophy of the dens are all individually very rare clinical entities. We are not aware of previous reports describing the association of hypoplasia of the posterior arch of the atlas, partial ossification of the transverse atlantal ligament, and hypertrophy of the dens.


METHODS
The patient's medical history, physical examination, and radiographic evaluation are examined. Surgical treatment and clinical outcome are reported. In addition, available literature is also reviewed.


RESULTS
The patient's neurologic symptoms significantly improved after posterior decompressive surgery.


CONCLUSIONS
We believe this is the first case of cervical myelopathy caused by simultaneous anomalies at the level of atlas involving hypoplasia of the posterior arch of the atlas, partial ossification of the transverse atlantal ligament, and hypertrophy of the dens. Surgical intervention improved the neurologic impairment.
Tang
Jia-Guang
JG
From the Institute of Orthopedics, the First Affiliated Hospital of the General Hospital of PLA, Beijing, People's Republic of China. jiaguangtang@yahoo.com.cn
Hou
Shu-xun
SX
Shang
Wei-Lin
WL
Wu
Wen-Wen
WW
D001270:Cervical Atlas / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D013118:Spinal Cord Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*