Use of C2 vertebroplasty and stereotactic radiosurgery for treatment of lytic metastasis of the odontoid process

• Published in: Journal of craniovertebral junction and spine Vol. 8; no. 3; pp. 285 - 287
• Main Authors: Hribar, Casey Alicen, Bhowmick, Deb A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: India Medknow Publications and Media Pvt. Ltd 01-07-2017; Medknow Publications & Media Pvt. Ltd; Medknow Publications & Media Pvt Ltd; Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications
• Subjects: Analysis; Biopsy; Cancer metastasis; Cancer therapies; Care and treatment; Case Report; Cement; Cement augmentation; Health aspects; Medical imaging; Metastasis; Neck pain; Neurosurgery; odontoid tumor pathology; Orthopedic surgery; Pain management; Patients; Quality of life; Radiation therapy; Radiosurgery; stereotactic radiosurgery; Vertebrae; Cement augmentation; odontoid tumor pathology; stereotactic radiosurgery
• ISSN: 0974-8237; 0976-9285
• DOI: 10.4103/jcvjs.JCVJS_63_17

Improvements in cancer therapy have led to increased patient survival times in spite of metastatic spinal disease in many forms of cancer. Conventional treatment methods often employ radiotherapy with or without surgery depending on the neurological status, mechanical instability, and the extent of tumor. Percutaneous vertebroplasty as well as stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) have arisen as common modalities of treatment of spinal metastasis in which neurological compromise or spinal instability and deformity is not of significant concern. These treatments, when used in combination, have been shown to provide early pain relief and effective tumor control while avoiding surgical resection, fixation, and lengthy recovery times. We present a case unique in the literature for the use of this combination treatment for tumors of the C2 vertebral body. While limited in application to patients without overt atlantoaxial instability or significant spinal canal compromise, we believe it provides a significant benefit in decreasing morbidity and improving early adherence to systemic therapy.