MR documented craniocervical ligamentous injury at age 18 months: delayed formation of OS odontoideum. Complex management issues. Case-based review

OBJECTIVE

There are two separate theories regarding the genesis of os odontoideum: congenital and post-traumatic. Trauma documentation in the past has been the presence of a normal odontoid process at the time of initial childhood injury and subsequent development of the os odontoideum. True MR documentation of craniocervical injury in early childhood and subsequent os odontoideum formation has been very rare.

METHODS

An 18-month-old sustained craniocervical ligamentous injury documented on MRI with transient neurological deficit. Chiari I abnormality was also recorded. Subsequent serial imaging of craniocervical region showed the formation of os odontoideum and instability. He became symptomatic from the os odontoideum and the Chiari I abnormality. The patient underwent decompression and intradural procedure for Chiari I abnormality and occipitocervical fusion. Postoperative course was complicated by the failure of fusion and redo. He later required transoral ventral medullary decompression. He recovered.

RESULTS

This is an MR documented craniocervical ligamentous injury with sequential formation of os odontoideum with accompanying changes in the atlas. Despite a subsequent successful dorsal occipitocervical fusion, he became symptomatic requiring transoral decompression.

CONCLUSIONS

Os odontoideum here is recognized as a traumatic origin with the presence of congenital Chiari I abnormality as a separate entity. The changes of the anterior arch of C1 as well as the os formation were serially documented and give credence to blood supply changes in the os and atlas as a result of the trauma. The recognized treatment of dorsal occipitocervical fusion failed in this case requiring also a ventral decompression of the medulla.

Minimalistic reconstruction of exposed skull in a complex craniovertebral polytrauma

Background:

In stable craniovertebral injuries complicated by polytrauma, rigorous spinal immobilization is essential for neuroprotection. Scalp and forehead reconstruction in these circumstances are safest when performed under local anesthesia, maintaining cervical immobilization.

Case Description:

A sizeable 10 × 6.5 cm forehead defect was reconstructed utilizing regenerative principles under local anesthesia and sedation in a 54-year-old woman. After adequate debridement of gangrenous soft tissues, exposed outer skull bones were trephined, forehead defect covered with a synthetic biomaterial, and the patient was discharged thereafter. Granulating neodermis regenerated within the biomaterial over the next 6 weeks. Weekly platelet-rich plasma injections along the wound margins facilitated wound regeneration. Dimensions reduced by two-thirds to 6.5 × 3.5 cm with wound regeneration and contraction, while granulating neodermis covered the remaining skull-bones. Split skin-grafting over the neodermis ensured satisfying long-term results, with similar color, texture, soft-tissue thickness, and sensation. Multiple occipitocervical, spinal, scapular, and rib fractures healed well with strict immobilization.

Conclusion:

Good long-term results were achieved with significantly reduced dangers, complications, hospitalization, and costs than traditional reconstructive flap surgeries. Minimalistic reconstruction utilizing tissue engineering and regenerative medicine principles appears beneficial for patients with grave spinal injuries.