Treatment of C2 tuberculosis using C1-3 inter-lateral mass structural bone graft and short segment fixation: a case report.

BACKGROUND

Tuberculosis (TB) infections involving the C2 vertebra (C2 TB) are uncommon and surgery is their primary treatment. Although occipitocervical fusion is presently the main surgical intervention for the disease-helping in restoring spinal stability, it inevitably compromises cervical mobility, significantly impacting patients' postoperative quality of life.

CASE REPORT: A 39-year-old female with C2 TB underwent a single posterior route lesion removal, structural bone graft between the C1-3 lateral masses, and short segment fixation from C1-3. A one-year follow-up showed significant recovery with minimal clinical complications. Neck rotation was slightly restricted, whereas neck flexion and extension remained unaffected.

CONCLUSIONS

This case demonstrates the technical viability of a C1-3 inter-lateral mass structural bone graft with short segment fixation for C2 TB.