Other Studies:
CT scan of the cervical spine, sagittal plane Case Photo #1 : Congenital non-fusion versus old avulsion fracture of the odontoid.
Consultations:
The patient was advised to cease all contact sporting activities. MRIs of the brain, cervical spine, and thoracic spine were ordered. Results demonstrated an os odontoideum, cervical canal stenosis with cervical myelopathy, a type I Chiari malformation, and a thoracic syrinx. A neurosurgery referral was placed. Neurosurgery evaluated the patient and ordered cervical spine flexion and extension MRIs that demonstrated upper cervical spine instability. An expedited orthopaedic spine specialist referral was placed and the patient was evaluated by both neurosurgery and orthopaedic spine surgery.
MRI of the cervical spine, sagittal plane, with flexion Case Photo #2 and extension Case Photo #3 : Dorsiflexion of the odontoid process with focal narrowing of the cervical canal and impingement of cervical cord. Thinning of the cord with concern for myelomalacia. Type I Chiari malformation and thoracic syrinx.
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