C2 Vertebral Corpectomy for Kyphosis Malunion of Remote Dens Fracture with Atlantoaxial Ankylosis and Myelopathy: A Case Report at 15 Years of Follow-Up.

CASE: We report a unique case of compressive myelopathy caused by late kyphosis angulation of a previously operated dens base fracture nonunion challenged by age-related ankyloses of the lateral articulations C1 to C2 and a solid posterior fusion mass. CONCLUSIONS: Posterior column shortening such as commonly practiced for progressive kyphosis or myelopathy may be precluded at the atlantoaxial level for potential vascular risk to the vertebral artery. A standard anterior cervical approach and the application of basic surgical spine care principles lead to a simple solution in the unique and highly complex anatomy of our case.