Journal of Spine

Non-Traumatic Anterior Atlas Fracture Following C1 Laminectomy - Case Report

Abstract

Keishi Tsunoda, Wataru Haraguti, Naoki Kitagawa and Takayuki Matsuo

Atlas fracture usually result from traumatic injury but only 3 cases of non-traumatic atlas fracture have described in the literature. The authors hereby describe a case of non-traumatic anterior atlas fracture following C1 laminectomy following the decompressive surgical procedure for the ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament. Originally droopy posture and iatrogenic disruption of the posterior arch with invading musculoligamentous structures from axis laminoplasty might increase the stress for anterior atlas. Due to the failure of bony fusion despite the use of an external orthosis, surgical intervention was necessary.