Purpose: Hemivertebra within the craniovertebral junction is a rare but complex spinal deformity. Torticollis caused by hemi-atlas is extremely rare. There is no consensus on the treatment of these patients. We present our experience with one case of hemi-atlas excision and torticollis correction via a combined anterior-posterior surgical approach and short-segment fixation.
Methods: An 11-year-old girl with progressive torticollis due to hemi-atlas underwent surgery consisting of combined anterior-posterior hemivertebra resection and instrumentation and had a follow up of 20 months. Pre- and postoperative radiographic features, as well as clinical outcomes, were evaluated.
Results: The patient had complete recovery of torticollis at a 20-month follow-up. Radiographs showed favorable deformity correction, well-balanced coronal and sagittal alignment, and solid bony fusion.
Conclusion: For patients with congenital cervical hemivertebra within the craniovertebral junction, combined anterior-posterior hemivertebra resection with instrumentation allows for satisfactory deformity correction and good cosmetic improvement.
Keywords: Anterior–posterior approach; Hemi-atlas; Hemivertebra resection; Torticollis.
© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.