Monostotic fibrous dysplasia of the C4 cervical spine

Abstract

Right lateral flexion of the neck was restricted due to pain going down the right side of the body. Patient was investigated with Computed tomography and Magnetic resonance imaging (CT and MRI) scan of cervical spine. CT cervical spine - An irregular bony growth was seen arising from the posterior neural arch of C4 vertebra projecting and compressing the spinal cord [Figures 1 and 2]. MRI scan of the cervical spine [Figures 3 and 4] - A bony outgrowth was seen arising from the spinous process and lamina of C4 vertebra projecting and compressing the spinal cord at that level. Cervical spinal cord appeared flattened. A provisional diagnosis of fibrous dysplasia/ osteoid osteoma was made. At operation an abnormal bony mass was noticed at C4 spinous process and lamina extending more to the right side. Laminectomy of C4-C5 with excision of bony tumor was done. At the site of cord compression the dura appeared discolored. After decompression the dura was pulsating normally. The excised tumor was sent for histopathological examination and A 35-year-old male patient presented with pain in the back of the neck and right arm since eight months. He had been getting vague discomfort along the right arm since one year. Since two months he noticed tingling sensation on the right side of the body and fingers on bending or turning the neck to the right. No definite history of trauma was noted. Patient was not a diabetic or hypertensive. Patient gave no history of pulmonary tuberculosis. On examination the (O/E) - Patient was conscious, responsive, oriented, right-handed. Speech was normal. No cranial nerve deficits. No motor deficits. No evidence of wasting of muscles. No fasciculations. Deep tendon jerks were symmetrical. Plantars were equivocal on both sides. Visceral reflexes were normal. Sensory system examination revealed - Dysasthesia over C5-C6 and C6-C7 distribution on the right side. Examination of the cervical spine did not present any abnormality. No abnormal mass was palpated over the paraspinal region or over the spinous process.