Study design: Case report.
Objectives: To present a case of complete osteolysis of the dens and accompanying luxation of the atlantoaxial joint, on the basis of a Staphylococcus aureus infection.
Summary of background data: To date, complete osteolysis of the dens followed by atlantoaxial dislocation has only been reported as a rare complication in patients with tuberculosis but not as secondary to a Staphylococcus aureus infection.
Methods: Because of emerging neurological complications in both upper extremities, we chose closed reduction and temporary Halo-fixation together with appropriate antibiotic coverage as primary treatment followed by an operative stabilization with Magerl fusion (Galli fusion combined with transarticular screw fixation of C1 and C2).
Results: After the operative procedure (Magerl fusion), immediate pain relief was achieved as well as almost complete resolution of neurological deficits.
Conclusions: To our knowledge, this presents the first reported case of a complete destruction of the dens, as a result of a purulent bacterial infection leading to atlantoaxial luxation. Our case demonstrates that infections of the atlantoaxial region are difficult to diagnose and are seen mostly in immunocompromised patients, such as patients with diabetes. Furthermore, it proves that other infections besides tuberculosis can lead to complete osteolytic destruction of the atlantoaxial joint.