Osteolytic lesions of C2 are challenging pathologies to manage. Vertebroplasty, a
minimally invasive technique has been widely used in lytic lesions of thoracic and
lumbar spine. However, there has been limited experience with percutaneous vertebroplasty
at C2, and the procedure is technically difficult. We describe a safer alternative
technique of open vertebroplasty for lytic lesions involving the axis. Methods: The procedure was performed in a 49-year-old male with a metastatic lytic lesion
involving the body and dens of C2 using an anterior cervical approach. The patient
had an immediate reduction in pain with complete pain relief at 2 weeks and good stability
at 3-month follow-up. The patient did not have any perioperative or postoperative
complications. The anterior cervical approach open C2 vertebroplasty is a safe and
effective option in the management of C2 osteolytic lesions.
Key-words:
Axis vertebra - cervical spine - osteolytic lesions - spinal metastasis - vertebroplasty
