Occipital condyle syndrome in a case of rotatory atlantoaxial subluxation (type II) with craniovertebral junction tuberculosis: Should we operate on 'active tuberculosis?'

Abstract

Tuberculosis of the craniovertebral junction is rare as well as intriguing. We present a unique amalgamation of three rare entities: craniovertebral tuberculosis, occipital condyle syndrome, and nontraumatic type II rotatory atlantoaxial dislocation in one patient. We reviewed the limited literature available and the underlying pathophysiology to highlight the pattern of the disease presentation, progression, and response to management options. A 13-year-old girl presented with neck pain, torticollis, and right hypoglossal weakness following a fall from stairs 10 months back. Radiological investigation suggested right occipital condylar destruction with right-sided neck tilt and rotatory atlantoaxial dislocation. The contrast magnetic resonance imaging was suggestive of craniovertebral tuberculosis with primary foci in the right lung (apical cavitary lesion). In view of an intact neurological condition, she was started on antitubercular treatment and she continues to do well during the follow-up. It remains debatable if an anticipation of this problem calls for a surgical addressal at the acute stage of the disease as a delayed correction is likely to be more complex. While a halo device is preferable in these cases, it remains cumbersome and less preferred in comparison to the Philadelphia collar.