• Jia-Guang Tang, Shu-xun Hou, Wei-Lin Shang, and Wen-Wen Wu.
• From the Institute of Orthopedics, the First Affiliated Hospital of the General Hospital of PLA, Beijing, People's Republic of China. jiaguangtang@yahoo.com.cn
• Spine. 2010 Feb 1; 35 (3): E77-9.

Study DesignCase report.ObjectiveTo report a case of cervical myelopathy due to simultaneous anomalies at the level of atlas involving hypoplasia of the posterior arch of the atlas, partial ossification of the transverse atlantal ligament, and hypertrophy of the dens.Summary Of Background DataHypoplasia of the posterior arch of the atlas, ossification of the transverse atlantal ligament, and hypertrophy of the dens are all individually very rare clinical entities. We are not aware of previous reports describing the association of hypoplasia of the posterior arch of the atlas, partial ossification of the transverse atlantal ligament, and hypertrophy of the dens.MethodsThe patient's medical history, physical examination, and radiographic evaluation are examined. Surgical treatment and clinical outcome are reported. In addition, available literature is also reviewed.ResultsThe patient's neurologic symptoms significantly improved after posterior decompressive surgery.ConclusionWe believe this is the first case of cervical myelopathy caused by simultaneous anomalies at the level of atlas involving hypoplasia of the posterior arch of the atlas, partial ossification of the transverse atlantal ligament, and hypertrophy of the dens. Surgical intervention improved the neurologic impairment.

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