Study design: A rare case of C1-C2 vertebral osteomyelitis treated conservatively is described. The radiologic findings as well as the follow-up evaluation are reported.
Objective: To increase knowledge about the pathogenesis and treatment of vertebral osteomyelitis in the high cervical region.
Summary of background data: This is one of the first cases reported of successful conservative treatment of osteomyelitis at this level.
Methods: In a 58-year-old man with lumbar staphylococcal infection, a subsequent cervical infection developed. Because the lumbar spondylitis was treated promptly, the cervical osteomyelitis was treated at a very early stage of development.
Results: Operative decompression is the treatment most often used in osteomyelitis at the C1-C2 level. This is an extremely unusual circumstance in which early treatment of the infection negated the need for surgery.
Conclusion: Conservative treatment of osteomyelitis at the C1-C2 level can be efficacious in the correct setting.