Wrist drop and muscle weakness of the fingers induced by an upper cervical spine anomaly.

PURPOSE: This report presents a case of wrist drop and muscle weakness of the fingers as a false localizing sign induced by stenosis of the upper cervical spine caused by a bony anomaly.

METHODS

A 77-year-old male complained of severe muscle weakness of the right hand. Cervical spine MRI showed a severe and sharp compression of the spinal cord from the dorsal side between C2 and C3 with intramedullary intensity changes and mild stenosis at C3/4 and C4/5.

RESULTS

The patient underwent laminectomy of C2, cranial side laminotomy of C3, and laminectomy of C4. Decompression of the spinal cord was demonstrated 1 year after surgery. The patient achieved full recovery of the muscle weakness 1 year after undergoing surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

The pathophysiology of false localizing signs remains controversial; however, we believe that this unusual compression pattern and level had the possibility to induce atypical myelopathies such as drop hand and finger of the unilateral hand in this case.