Isolated neck extensor myopathy causing a dropped head: a case report.

Takahashi, Hiroshi; Yokoyama, Yuichiro; Terajima, Fumiaki; Hasegawa, Keiji; Suguro, Toru; Shibuya, Kazutoshi; Wada, Akihito · J Orthop Surg (Hong Kong) · 2011

case_report · Level V

Where this comes from

Abstract

This report is of a 71-year-old woman who presented with a dropped head and difficulty in extending her neck. She was diagnosed with isolated neck extensor myopathy. Conservative treatment (use of a cervical collar and muscular strength training) temporarily improved her symptoms. However, destruction of cervical vertebrae and myelopathy progressed secondary to repeated microfractures from mechanical stress. The patient underwent 2-stage combined anterior and posterior decompression and fusion using autografts. At one-year follow-up, numbness of the bilateral upper limbs had resolved, and bone union was achieved. The patient was able to look straight ahead and was very satisfied with the outcome.

Medical subject headings

Anatomy