Nerve.  2022 Apr;8(1):16-21. 10.21129/nerve.2022.00010.

Spontaneous Anterior Atlas Fracture Following C1 Laminectomy without Fusion: A Case Report

• Kim SG
• Shin MH
• Kim JT
• Choi DY

• KMID: 2543231
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.21129/nerve.2022.00010

Abstract

C1 laminectomy without fusion (CLWF) is a widely accepted minimally invasive surgical technique to decompress the spinal cord around the craniovertebral junction. In the case presented herein, a 46-year-old man experienced a fracture of the anterior arch of the atlas that occurred during the postoperative period following CLWF to treat cervical myelopathy associated with a retro-odontoid pseudotumor. The findings demonstrate that disruption of the integrity of the posterior arch of the atlas confers an increased risk of anterior arch fracture. Although CLWF is a good surgical option for treating stable cervical myelopathy associated with a retro-odontoid pseudotumor, posterior decompression and fusion could be beneficial for patients with a relatively high inferior facet angle of C1-2 and subaxial arthrodesis.

Keyword

Atlas fracture; C1 laminectomy; Retro-odontoid pseudotumor