Endoscopic Transoral Odontoidectomy of Craniovertebral Junction Rheumatoid Arthritis With the Help of Real-Time Fluoroscopy and Intraoperative Computed Tomography

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) involvement in the craniovertebral junction (CVJ) is a rare condition after antirheumatoid medications, nevertheless still exists. Neurological deterioration of the patient makes surgery inevitable. Seventy-seven years old man without antirheumatoid treatment presented with progressive neurological deterioration and CVJ involvement of RA with severe cord compression with myelomalacia. The patient underwent endoscopic transoral odontoidectomy with real-time fluoroscopy and intraoperative computed tomography. Even though radiological improvement has been achieved the patient died because of pulmonary complications. Rheumatoid arthritis of CVJ is a life-threatening medical condition. Surgical procedures will be safer by using endoscopy and intraoperative radiological imaging techniques.