title: Atlantoaxial Subluxation after Pyogenic Spondylitis around the Odontoid Process.
abstract: Study Design. A case report and review of the literature. Objective. The aim of this study was to describe the conservative management of pyogenic spondylitis around the odontoid process. Summary of Background Data. Atlantoaxial subluxation after pyogenic spondylitis is rare. The therapeutic approach to infection of the upper cervical spine is controversial. Methods. Medical chart and radiological images of a 76-year-old male patient were retrospectively reviewed. Radiography revealed atlantoaxial subluxation, and an abscess was seen around the odontoid process on magnetic resonance images. Intravenous antibiotics and a halo vest were used to treat the patient. We then observed the patient's conservative treatment course. Results. C-reactive protein levels returned to normal 4 weeks after administration of the intravenous antibiotics. The patient's muscle weakness also completely recovered 8 weeks after administration of the intravenous antibiotics. Because the patient was able to walk without any support, surgical treatment was not necessary. Conclusions. Pyogenic spondylitis of the upper cervical spine is a rare manifestation. Surgical or conservative treatment must be selected carefully based on the patient's symptoms. If early diagnosis and treatment can be provided to the patients, conservative treatment can be achieved.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kyorin University, Tokyo, Japan ; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, National Hospital Organization, Murayama Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan.
authors.forename: Atsushi
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hasegawa
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, National Hospital Organization, Murayama Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan.
authors.forename: Mitsuru
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Yagi
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, National Hospital Organization, Murayama Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan.
authors.forename: Masakazu
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Takemitsu
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, National Hospital Organization, Murayama Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan.
authors.forename: Masafumi
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Machida
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, National Hospital Organization, Murayama Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan.
authors.forename: Takashi
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Asazuma
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kyorin University, Tokyo, Japan.
authors.forename: Shoichi
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ichimura