title: Mineralization of the transverse ligament of the atlas causing compressive radiculopathy. Resolution following odontoidectomy and atlantoaxial arthrodesis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To describe a case of a Boxer dog with radiculopathy due to mineralization of the transverse ligament of the atlas and subsequent resorption and resolution of clinical signs after atlantoaxial arthrodesis and odontoidectomy.
  
  
  METHODS
  A five-year-old neutered female Boxer dog was presented with a four-month history of cervical hyperaesthesia refractory to medical management. Neurological examination and magnetic resonance imaging indicated a diagnosis of radiculopathy due to cervical nerve root impingement by dystrophic mineralization of the transverse ligament of the atlas. Odontoidectomy was performed by a ventral approach and atlantoaxial arthrodesis was achieved with a ventral composite polymethylmethacrylate and pin fixation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Atlantoaxial arthrodesis and progressive resorption of the mineralization following stabilization facilitated indirect decompression. The radioclinical diagnosis and response to arthrodesis was considered analogous to retro-odontoid pannus in the human.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A clinical condition similar to retro-odontoid pannus may exist in the canine and may be amenable to atlantoaxial arthrodesis.
authors.forename: Leonard C
authors.initials: LC
authors.lastname: Hamilton
authors.forename: Colin
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Driver
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Tauro
authors.forename: Gary
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Campbell
authors.affiliation: Prof. Noel Fitzpatrick, Fitzpatrick Referrals, Halfway Lane, Godalming,, Surrey GU72QQ, United Kingdom, Phone: +44 1483 423761, E-mail: Noel@fitzpatrickreferrals.co.uk.
authors.forename: Noel
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Fitzpatrick
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001174:Arthrodesis / Q000662:veterinary*; D001268:Atlanto-Axial Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D002114:Calcinosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000662:veterinary*; D001270:Cervical Atlas / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D008022:Ligaments / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000662:veterinary; D009408:Nerve Compression Syndromes / Q000150:complications / Q000662:veterinary; D009809:Odontoid Process / Q000601:surgery*; D011843:Radiculopathy / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*
keywords: Dystrophic mineralization; atlantoaxial arthrodesis; odontoid process; retro-odontoid pannus; transverse ligament