Odontoid pseudotumor and serial postfusion radiographic evaluation in a patient with a C1-2 mass.

ABSTRACT

Odontoid pseudotumor is a mass occurring around the odontoid process in the cervical spine and can cause significant neurological symptoms at the craniocervical junction due to compression of the spinal cord and cervicomedullary junction at this level. A literature review was performed to provide input on options for treatment and prognosis for this lesion. The literature search found 12 papers in which pseudotumor was treated with posterior decompression and fixation. Posterior decompression and fixation with serial imaging to monitor the size of the pseudotumor postsurgery is a safe and effective treatment option for odontoid pseudotumors.