Isolated hypertrophy of the posterior arch of the atlas causing cervical canal stenosis: A case report and literature review

Background: The isolated hypertrophy of the posterior arch of the atlas is one rare craniovertebral junction malformation causing cord compression. Yet, there is no consensus on the extent of decompression and/or fusion needed for those anomalies. Case Description: A 74-year-old female presented with isolated hypertrophy of the posterior arch of the atlas (C1 vertebra)/anomaly of the craniocervical junction causing significant cord compression; she successfully underwent a microsurgical decompression, with complete symptomatic relief. Here, we review this case and the literature on this topic. Conclusion: A 74-year-old female with isolated hypertrophy of the posterior arch of the atlas/CCJ anomaly successfully underwent a decompression alone without fusion with a good functional outcome at 1 year.