Mineralization of the transverse ligament of the atlas causing compressive radiculopathy

Summary

Objective: To describe a case of a Boxer dog with radiculopathy due to mineralization of the transverse ligament of the atlas and subsequent resorption and resolution of clinical signs after atlantoaxial arthrodesis and odontoidectomy.

Case Report: A five-year-old neutered female Boxer dog was presented with a four-month history of cervical hyperaesthesia refractory to medical management. Neurological examination and magnetic resonance imaging indicated a diagnosis of radiculopathy due to cervical nerve root impingement by dystrophic mineralization of the transverse ligament of the atlas. Odontoidectomy was performed by a ventral approach and atlantoaxial arthrodesis was achieved with a ventral composite polymethylmethacrylate and pin fixation.

Results: Atlantoaxial arthrodesis and progressive resorption of the mineralization following stabilization facilitated indirect decompression. The radioclinical diagnosis and response to arthrodesis was considered ana -logous to retro-odontoid pannus in the human.

Clinical relevance: A clinical condition similar to retro-odontoid pannus may exist in the canine and may be amenable to atlantoaxial arthrodesis.

Keywords

Dystrophic mineralization - retro-odontoid pannus - atlantoaxial arthrodesis - odontoid process - transverse ligament

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