case_images: PMC4697204_01
case_images: Axial (a) and left paramedian sagittal (b) preoperative computed tomography of the cervical spine. Unilateral arthrosis of the left C1-C2 facet joint is shown with obliteration of the joint space and extensive osteophyte formation. The posterior osteophyte encroaches into the expected site of the left C2 dorsal ramus (black arrow)
case_images: SNI-6-186-g001.jpg
case_images: PMC4697204_01_SNI-6-186-g001.jpg
case_images: F1
case_images: The computed tomography (CT) of the cervical spine revealed advanced unilateral arthrosis on the left involving the C1-C2 facet joint, accompanied by significant posterior osteophytic protrusion into the left C1-C2 foramen [Figure 1].
case_images: Right (a) and left (b) paramedian sagittal T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging of the cervical spine. The exiting C2 nerve root is severely compressed on the left, in contrast to the right (white arrows)
case_images: SNI-6-186-g002.jpg
case_images: PMC4697204_01_SNI-6-186-g002.jpg
case_images: F2
case_images: The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the cervical spine confirmed the displaced and compressed C2 nerve root on the left side [Figure 2a], but the right side was normal [Figure 2b].
case_images: Left paramedian sagittal computed tomography of the cervical spine, 3-month postoperatively. The osteophyte complex at C1-C2 on the left has been eliminated with osseous union of the facet joint (black arrow)
case_images: SNI-6-186-g003.jpg
case_images: PMC4697204_01_SNI-6-186-g003.jpg
case_images: F3
case_images: Aspen cervical orthosis for 12 weeks after which it was weaned, and active neck physiotherapy was implemented. At 3-month postoperative follow-up, she remained free of her ON and neck pain with radiographic confirmation of osseous union across the C1-C2 facet joints and excellent foraminal decompression [Figure 3].