Related Experiment Videos
Os odontoideum with vertebral artery occlusion
T Takakuwa1, S Hiroi, H Hasegawa
1Critical Care and Emergency Center, Iwate Medical University, Morioka, Japan.
Spine
|February 15, 1994
Summary
Os odontoideum can cause atlantoaxial dislocation, potentially leading to vertebral artery occlusion and brainstem infarction. This case highlights a rare but serious complication of this spinal condition.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Orthopedics
- Vascular Surgery
Background:
- Atlantoaxial dislocation is a rare condition involving instability between the first and second cervical vertebrae.
- Os odontoideum is a developmental anomaly where the odontoid process is separate from the axis, increasing the risk of instability.
- Vertebral artery injury can lead to ischemic stroke, particularly affecting the posterior circulation.
Observation:
- A young male rugby player presented with symptoms of brainstem damage following an injury.
- Cervical spine X-rays revealed the presence of os odontoideum.
- Cerebral angiography demonstrated a persistent occlusion of the right vertebral artery at the C2 level.
Findings:
- The findings suggest a causal link between os odontoideum, atlantoaxial dislocation, and vertebral artery occlusion.
- The vertebral artery occlusion at the C2 level is hypothesized to be induced by the atlantoaxial instability.
- The resulting ischemia led to infarction in the brainstem.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering spinal instability in patients with neurological deficits after trauma.
- Early diagnosis and management of os odontoideum and associated atlantoaxial dislocation are crucial to prevent vascular complications.
- Further research may elucidate the precise biomechanical mechanisms linking os odontoideum, atlantoaxial instability, and vertebral artery compromise.