Case Report: Multiple cervical vertebral fusion with ossification of anterior longitudinal ligament

Abstract

Fusion of vertebrae may be congenital or acquired. It may be a complete fusion of bodies or neural arches. It is difficult to conclude whether the fusion is developmental or post inflammatory. Ossification of paravertebral ligaments is associated with Forestier disease and Ankylosing Spondylitis. This case report is about a specimen of fused cervical vertebral mass of C2 to C6 with ossification of the anterior longitudinal ligament. Fusions of all zygapophyseal joints were observed. The CT image of the specimen confirmed the ossification of the anterior longitudinal ligament with mild calcification of intervertebral discs. With the above features and bony ankylosis of articular facets, it was concluded that this fusion might be due to ankylosing spondylitis.

Keywords: cervical vertebra; ossification; ligaments; intervertebral disc; ankylosis