Achondroplasia represents the common variety of skeletal dysplasia causing short-limb
dwarfism. It may be associated with congenial craniovertebral junction anomaly, including
atlantoaxial dislocation, Os odointoideum or basilar invagination or acquired as a
result of the previous foramen magnum region surgery. However, long segment cervical
compression from the first cervical vertebra region to sixth cervical region, such
extensive compression producing myelopathy is not reported, and current case represents
first case in the western literature. He was managed surgically with a good outcome.
Perioperative management along with brief review of pertinent literature along with
the management of such case is discussed in brief. Anesthetic management of such patient
with coexisting extensive cervical compression presents unique challenges in view
of the multisystem involvement along with preexisting anatomical and physiological
constraints.
Key-words:
Achondroplasia - anesthesia management - dwarfism - long segment cervical compression
- myelopathy
