Utilization of Three-dimensional Reconstruction Computed Tomography as a Diagnostic Tool for Adult Unilateral Primary Cervical Spondylolysis: Report of Two Cases

ABSTRACT

Primary spontaneous cervical spondylolysis is a rare anomaly, and is often diagnosed as a traumatic lesion such as a fracture or a locked facet; alternatively, it may be overlooked. A literature review revealed one report that addresses the usefulness of three-dimensional reconstruction computed tomography (CT) imaging in the diagnosis of cervical spondylolysis. We have experienced two cases of subaxial cervical spondylolysis. One patient was transferred to our institute due to trauma, and the other patient was referred from a local hospital without trauma history. In this second patient symptoms occurred spontaneously and showed insidious progression. Both cases typically involved the right side of the C6 vertebra. The author utilized three-dimensional (3-D) reconstruction computed tomography (CT) for diagnosis and evaluation. Among those issued in Korea, this is the first report of primary subaxial cervical spondylolysis evaluated using 3-D CT.