Delayed Rupture of the Transverse Atlantal Ligament Complicated after the Treatment of Posterior Neck Abscess: A case report.
10.4184/jkss.2006.13.2.120
- Author:
Jin Hyok KIM
1
;
Sung Soo KIM
;
Yun Seok CHOI
Author Information
1. Seoul Spine Institute, Inje University Sanggye-Paik Hospital, Seoul, Korea. toetotoe1@sanggyepaik.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Delayed rupture of transverse atlantal ligament;
Atlantoaxial instability;
Posterior neck abscess
- MeSH:
Abscess*;
Adult;
Anti-Bacterial Agents;
Diagnosis;
Drainage;
Emergencies;
Follow-Up Studies;
Humans;
Ligaments*;
Magnetic Resonance Imaging;
Male;
Neck Pain;
Neck*;
Neurologic Manifestations;
Quadriplegia;
Radiography;
Rupture*;
Spinal Cord Diseases;
Traction
- From:Journal of Korean Society of Spine Surgery
2006;13(2):120-125
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Atlantoaxial instability with rupture of transverse atlantal ligament is mostly caused by trauma, and this can be combined with myelopathy. Although it gives rise to no neurologic deficit, it has a high possibility to quadriplegia or death by minor trauma. We experienced a rare case about atlantoaxial instability with delayed rupture of transverse atlantal ligament that was complicated after the treatment of posterior neck abscess. A 44-year-old male patient had complained of posterior neck pain for 1 month. Based on a clinical examination, simple radiography, CT and MRI, his diagnosis was posterior neck abscess. He underwent an emergency operation with open drainage. One year later, he again had posterior neck pain. Atlantoaxial instability with rupture of the transverse atlantal ligament was confirmed. Skeletal traction was applied and then C1-2 posterior fusion without wiring was performed. After the operation, antibiotics were injected for 4 weeks and a halo-vest was put on for 6 months. Complete fusion of C1-2 was obtained without posterior neck pain at the 1 year follow-up.
