Spondylolysis of C-2 in 2 athletically active individuals.
Cervical spondylolysis is an uncommon disorder involving a cleft at the pars interarticularis. It is most often found at the C-6 level, and clinical presentations have included incidental radiographic findings, neck pain, and rarely neurological compromise. Although subaxial cervical spondylolysis has been described in 150 patients, defects at the C-2 pedicles are rare. The authors present 2 new cases of C-2 spondylolysis in athletically active young persons who did not demonstrate instability or neurological deficits, were able to remain active, and are being managed conservatively with serial examinations and imaging. They also discuss the results of 22 previously reported cases of C-2 spondylolysis. Based on the literature and their own experience, the authors conclude that most patients with C-2 spondylolysis remain neurologically intact, maintain stability despite the bony defect, and can be managed conservatively. Surgery is reserved for patients who demonstrate severe instability or spinal cord compromise due to stenosis.
Gottfried
Oren N
ON
Department of Neurosurgery, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland.
Parker
Scott L
SL
Omeis
Ibrahim
I
Bydon
Ali
A
Gokaslan
Ziya L
ZL
Wolinsky
Jean-Paul
JP
D000063:Accidents, Traffic; D000293:Adolescent; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D010147:Pain Measurement; D013169:Spondylolysis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D055815:Young Adult