Anomalous Cervical Spinous Process Leading to Myelopathy.

Abstract

A case report and literature review. To present a rare case of anomalous spinous process of sixth cervical vertebra invaginating within the spinal canal, causing myelopathy and being successfully managed with surgical excision. Though anomalous development of posterior arch of atlas and axis have been documented to cause impingement on spinal cord, there has been no documented literature on impingement of anomalous free-floating spinous process of subaxial spine causing compressive myelopathy. A 42-year old female patient presenting with features of cervical myelopathy was investigated and found to have anomalous free-floating spinous process of sixth cervical vertebra impinging onto the cord. Patient underwent surgical excision of the anomalous bone and had a satisfactory clinical outcome. Though hitherto unreported, this rare anomaly of anomalous spinous process needs to be borne in mind while evaluating a relatively young patient with myelopathy. Surgical excision of the free-floating anomalous spinous process yields satisfactory outcome.