case_images: PMC9063022_01
case_images: Preoperative MRI showed severe compression of spinal nerves due to retro-odontoid tumor (a: T2WI, b: T1WI). Cervical X-ray showed OALL like a bird's beak at the C3-6 level (c), and follow-up MRI 6 months after the first surgery clearly showed that the cerebrospinal fluid around the spinal cord had recovered and the retro-odontoid tumor was shrinking (d).
case_images: SNI-13-184-g001.jpg
case_images: PMC9063022_01_SNI-13-184-g001.jpg
case_images: F1
case_images: The follow-up MRI demonstrated regression of the retro-odontoid pseudotumor [Figure 1], but video fluoroscopy confirmed C5-C6 OALL resulting in esophageal obstruction. Therefore, 6 months after the original surgery, she underwent anterior C3-C6 OALL resection using a right anterior approach, diamond burrs, and an ultrasonic bone curette [Figure 2].
case_images: Aggressive OALL is prominent on cervical X-ray after the first surgery (a). Preoperative video fluoroscopy revealed a filling defect due to OALL at the C5/6 level (b,c). The red arrow in Figure 2b indicates contrast loss. Cervical X-ray after OALL resection showing adequate smoothening of the OALL (d). In the operative field, the OALL is flattened with a diamond burr (e).
case_images: SNI-13-184-g002.jpg
case_images: PMC9063022_01_SNI-13-184-g002.jpg
case_images: F2
case_images: The follow-up MRI demonstrated regression of the retro-odontoid pseudotumor [Figure 1], but video fluoroscopy confirmed C5-C6 OALL resulting in esophageal obstruction. Therefore, 6 months after the original surgery, she underwent anterior C3-C6 OALL resection using a right anterior approach, diamond burrs, and an ultrasonic bone curette [Figure 2].