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Entrapment of the C2 Root and Ganglion by the Atlanto-Epistrophic Ligament: Clinical Syndrome and Surgical Anatomy

1990; Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; Volume: 27; Issue: 2 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1227/00006123-199008000-00019

1524-4040

Charles E. Poletti, William H. Sweet,

Neurosurgical Procedures and Complications

Abstract Two cases of progressive, occipital lancinating pain and dysesthesias associated with a sensory deficit of the C2 dermatome are presented. Symptoms were relieved, and C2 sensory function restored by releasing a hypertrophied atlanto-epistrophic ligament entrapping the C2 root and ganglion. The normal anatomy and abnormal surgical findings are described. C2 entrapment by the atlanto-epistrophic ligament is discussed in reference to other C2 lesions causing occipital pain. We conclude that some patients whose progressive occipital pain is accompanied by a C2 sensory deficit are suffering from entrapment of the C2 root and ganglion amenable to surgical decompression.