Rare bilateral C6 spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis in an adolescent athlete: evaluation with magnetic resonance imaging and multidetector computerized tomography.

STUDY

DESIGN

Case report.

OBJECTIVE

To show a rare case of cervical spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis secondary to bilateral stress fractures at the pedicle laminar junction of C6 in a 16-year-old athlete playing high school baseball.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The patient presented with 3 months of neck pain and intermittent right arm radicular symptoms.

METHODS

Plain radiographs and multidetector computerized tomography (CT) of the cervical spines.

RESULTS

Plain radiographs revealed loss of lower cervical lordosis. Multidetector CT indicated bilateral C6 spondylolysis. Magnetic resonance imaging showed bilateral marrow edema at the pedicle laminar junction of C6. Treatment included placing his neck in a Philadelphia collar for 6 weeks. Follow-up CT revealed progression of healing.

CONCLUSION

Early diagnosis and appropriate management of these cases are important to promote healing.