What is a Retroflexed Odontoid?

A retroflexed odontoid refers to when the odontoid does not project straight up from the second vertebra. Rather it is angled back towards the brainstem. Like BI, this angulation, or retroflexion, can be measured on MRI. For some people, the odontoid position will cause the brainstem to bend abnormally, or kink.

What is Odontoid resection?

Transnasal endoscopic odontoid resection is a feasible alternative to the transoral technique. It leaves the oropharynx intact, which could result in lower approach related complications especially in patients with bulbar symptoms.

What is Craniocervical decompression?

A cranio-cervical decompression is an operation involving the back of the head and top or the neck, i.e., the cranio-cervical junction, where the neurosurgeon creates extra room for the bottom part of the brainstem and top part of the spinal cord.

What is chiari 1 malformation?

Chiari malformation type 1 occurs when the section of the skull containing a part of the brain (cerebellum) is too small or is deformed, thus putting pressure on and crowding the brain. The lower part of the cerebellum (tonsils) is displaced into the upper spinal canal.

How do I fix Craniocervical instability?

In the most severe cases, surgery may be necessary to manage the life-changing symptoms of advanced cervical instability. Most surgical treatments aim to correct dysfunction of the craniocervical junction, where the skull meets the upper spine.

Where is Odontoid process found?

The odontoid process, or dens, is a superior projecting bony element from the second cervical vertebrae (C2, or the axis). The first cervical vertebrae (atlas) rotates around the odontoid process to provide the largest single component of lateral rotation of the cervical spine.

Is Chiari decompression considered brain surgery?

The main operation for Chiari malformation is called decompression surgery. Under general anaesthetic a cut is made at the back of your head and the surgeon removes a small piece of bone from the base of your skull.

Do you have to shave your head for Chiari surgery?

Chiari decompression surgery is performed under the effect of general anesthesia. Your surgeon will place your head in a skull fixation device to hold it in place during the surgery. A strip of hair is shaved along the area of the planned incision and the scalp is prepared with an antiseptic solution.

How serious is Chiari malformation surgery?

What are the risks? No surgery is without risks. General complications of any surgery include bleeding, infection, blood clots, stroke, reactions to anesthesia, and death (rare).

What is retroflexed odontoid process?

A retroflexed or retroverted odontoid process is one that does not stand nice and straight, but rather presses backwards. RO can cause the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) to be blocked, or can press into the brain stem, which is where the spinal cord connects with the brain.

Do I need a C2 or C4 fusion for retroflexed odontoid?

This is because they found that most people with the retroflexed odontoid and the connective tissue disorder end up needing fusion down the road. I was initially scheduled for fusion to C4; however, once in there, my NS deemed it only necessary to c2.

What causes odontoid ligament injuries?

Occurs when loose ligaments cause a misalignment of the proper angle of the odontoid bone causing it to bend/press backwards at an abnormal angle that compresses the brainstem. Click here to cancel reply. You must be logged in to post a comment.

What is os odontoideum and what causes it?

Os odontoideum: Os odontoideum is a small tip of the odontoid (peg of C2) that has become separated either congenitally or from remote trauma. In some patients there Read More

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LO_w9yTYI7A