Atlas Hypoplasia and Ossification of the Transverse Atlantal Ligament: A Rare Cause of Cervical Myelopathy

  • Bokhari R
  • Baeesa S
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Abstract

Myelopathy at the level of the atlas is rarely encountered by the practicing spine surgeon. Due to the region's unique anatomy, compression of the cord at this level is either caused by a large compressing lesion or an abnormally stenotic canal. We describe a rare instance of a congenitally stenotic canal due to a hypoplastic intact posterior arch of atlas, coexisting with an extremely rare ossified transverse ligament of the atlas. The coexistence of these two lesions has only been documented thrice before. We describe the clinical presentation, imaging findings, and favorable response to surgery.

Figures

  • Figure 1: Sagittal (a) and axial (b) T2-weighted image MRI scans of the cervical spine demonstrating hypoplastic posterior arch of the atlas causing severe canal stenosis and spinal cord compression.
  • Figure 2: Axial CT scan at the level of the atlas demonstrating severe narrowing of the spinal canal and ossified transverse atlantal ligament.

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CITATION STYLE

APA

Bokhari, R., & Baeesa, S. (2012). Atlas Hypoplasia and Ossification of the Transverse Atlantal Ligament: A Rare Cause of Cervical Myelopathy. Case Reports in Neurological Medicine, 2012, 1–4. https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/893284

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