title: Cervical myelopathy caused by anomalies at the level of atlas.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: 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
authors.forename: Jia-Guang
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Tang
authors.forename: Shu-xun
authors.initials: SX
authors.lastname: Hou
authors.forename: Wei-Lin
authors.initials: WL
authors.lastname: Shang
authors.forename: Wen-Wen
authors.initials: WW
authors.lastname: Wu
mesh_terms: 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*