Cervical spondylolysis: three cases and a review of the current literature.

STUDY DESIGN

Case report.

OBJECTIVES

To describe a rare case of cervical spondylolysis with an adjacent secondary dysplastic change, and to review the current literature regarding cervical spondylolysis.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Three patients presented with minor trauma history and radiographical C6 level spondylolysis.

METHODS

Cervical spines were analyzed with plain radiography, multidetector computerized tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging.

RESULTS

In all 3 patients, plain radiographs revealed a bilateral cleft of the C6 articular mass. The patients presented with long-term minimal discomfort of the posterior neck. In 2 patients, a trauma event increased the pain and produced neurologic deficits. In addition, an adjacent dysplastic change was present on imaging studying in 2 of the patients, 1 of whom also presented with a cord signal change above the spondylolytic level.

CONCLUSION

Early diagnosis and appropriate management of cases of spondylolysis are important. In addition, surgical plans for cervical spondylolysis should be considered if the adjacent levels are unstable or fragile.