CASE We treated an 87-year-old woman with noninflammatory retro-odontoid pseudotumor induced by atlantoaxial instability (AAI) using only a Philadelphia collar. Because of perioperative risk factors, fusion surgery was canceled; nevertheless,… Click to show full abstract
CASE We treated an 87-year-old woman with noninflammatory retro-odontoid pseudotumor induced by atlantoaxial instability (AAI) using only a Philadelphia collar. Because of perioperative risk factors, fusion surgery was canceled; nevertheless, the neurological symptoms improved gradually. After 11 months of nonoperative treatment, the follow-up magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated that the pseudotumor's size was obviously diminished. Orthosis was applied for 2 years, and after its removal, the pseudotumor's size remained the same at the final 7-year follow-up. CONCLUSIONS External orthosis is one treatment option for pseudotumor with AAI, especially in patients with significant comorbidities for whom surgical procedures are relatively contraindicated.
               
Click one of the above tabs to view related content.