Unilateral C1-C2 Posterior Fusion in a Patient With Right Vertebral Artery Anomaly With Intracanal Trajectory: A Case Report

JBJS Case Connect. 2024 Jul 26;14(3). doi: 10.2106/JBJS.CC.22.00603. eCollection 2024 Jul 1.

Abstract

Case: A 59-year-old woman presented with progressively worsening neck pain and radicular symptoms. Cervical radiographs revealed C1-C2 dynamic instability. Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomographic angiogram revealed an anomalous right vertebral artery with intracanal trajectory at C1. A unilateral left C1-C2 fusion with a C1 lateral mass screw and C2 transarticular screw placement was performed due to the anomalous artery. At 14-month follow-up, the patient's cervical symptoms had resolved.

Conclusion: In this patient with an aberrant vertebral artery who was indicated for C1-C2 fusion, a unilateral contralateral fusion with a C1 lateral mass screw and C2 transarticular screw was a satisfactory treatment option.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Cervical Vertebrae / abnormalities
  • Cervical Vertebrae / diagnostic imaging
  • Cervical Vertebrae / surgery
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Spinal Fusion*
  • Vertebral Artery* / abnormalities
  • Vertebral Artery* / diagnostic imaging