Traumatic multiple cervical spine injuries in a patient with osteopetrosis and its management

Abstract

Study design

Single case report.

Objective/purpose

To report multiple level fractures of cervical spine in a patient with osteopetrosis and its management.

Summary of background data

Osteopetrosis is a rare inherited condition characterized by defective remodeling resulting in hard and brittle bones with diffuse osteosclerosis. Fractures of spine are rare as compared to the common long bone fractures. We report a case of traumatic multiple level fractures of cervical spine in osteopetrosis and its management which has rarely been reported in the literature before, if any.

Methods

17-year-old boy presented with severe tenderness in neck and restricted range of motion following a trivial injury to the neck in swimming pool. The neurology was normal and he was diagnosed to have autosomal dominant osteopetrosis on evaluation. Imagining findings, clinical course and the method of treatment are discussed.

Results

Radiological evaluation revealed presence of multiple level fractures of cervical vertebrae with end plate sclerosis. Patient was managed with cervical skeletal traction in appropriate extension position for 6 weeks followed by hard cervical collar for another 6 weeks. Follow-up radiographs at 18 months and 2.5 years showed healed fractures with no residual instability or symptoms.

Conclusion

The case report discusses rare occurrence of multiple level fractures of cervical spine following trivial injury to the neck in a patient with osteopetrosis and its treatment with conservative management.

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