[Surgical kyphoplasty for management of axis metastasis: technical note kyphoplastie de C2]

Neurochirurgie. 2009 Jun;55(3):323-7. doi: 10.1016/j.neuchi.2008.06.002. Epub 2008 Aug 12.
[Article in French]

Abstract

C2 vertebral metastases are seldom encountered. They usually cause disabling pain at the upper cervical level and can also result in life-threatening spinal instability. The technique described herein may provide a valuable minimally invasive option for treating this condition. We report a case of C2 metastasis resulting from gastric adenocarcinoma in a 58-year-old male; since there was no spinal instability, open kyphoplasty was performed at C2, resulting in the healing of the body and the base of the odontoid of the C2 vertebra. The X-ray follow-up more than six months after surgery confirmed the absence of any spinal instability at the craniocervical junction. Open kyphoplasty at C2 provides a means to manage a metastasis located in the body of the C2 vertebra. This method maintains the rotatory function of the upper cervical spine, which seems to be a crucial factor, given the poor prognosis usually associated with this condition.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Metastasis / diagnostic imaging
  • Stomach Neoplasms / surgery
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vertebroplasty / methods*