Related Experiment Videos
Atlantoaxial degenerative articular cysts
B D Birch1, A G Khandji, P C McCormick
1Department of Neurological Surgery, Neurological Institute, New York, New York, USA.
Journal of Neurosurgery
|November 1, 1996
Summary
Cysts of the atlantodental articulation are rare causes of neurological deficits. Surgical intervention for these spinal joint cysts led to significant patient improvement and stability.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Spinal Surgery
- Neurology
Background:
- Cysts associated with spinal joints are uncommon causes of neurological symptoms.
- Atlantodental articulation cysts are particularly rare.
Observation:
- The study reviewed five patients with atlantodental articulation cysts and five additional cases.
- Patients were aged 60-85, with no history of rheumatoid arthritis or trauma.
- Cysts caused ventral cervicomedullary compression without MRI enhancement or widening of the atlantodental interval.
Findings:
- All five patients experienced post-surgical improvement.
- Fusion was necessary after transoral procedures.
- Posterior decompression resulted in clinical and radiographic stability.
Implications:
- Surgical treatment is effective for cervicomedullary compression caused by atlantodental articulation cysts.
- Different surgical approaches (transoral vs. posterior) have distinct management requirements.
- These findings contribute to understanding rare spinal pathologies and their surgical outcomes.