{"id":"0786c97c-293e-4979-acea-f29707b5437f","slug":"isolated-hypertrophy-of-the-posterior-arch-of-the-atlas-causing-cervical-canal-stenosis-a-case-report-and-literature-review","title":"Isolated hypertrophy of the posterior arch of the atlas causing cervical canal stenosis: A case report and literature review","authors":["Gaetano Giulio Vitale","Filippo Gagliardi","Pierfrancesco De Domenico","Silvia Snider","Pietro Mortini"],"abstract":"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.","thumbnailUrl":"https://sni-digital-videos.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/0786c97c-293e-4979-acea-f29707b5437f/featured/hero-1781557653525.png","publishDate":"2026-04-17T00:00:00.000Z","doi":"10.25259/SNI_1220_2025","categories":["Spine","Case Report"],"fullTextUrl":"https://surgicalneurologyint.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/14472/SNI-17-225.pdf"}