Percutaneous Vertebroplasty Painful Malignant Involvement of the Second Cervical Vertebra (C2): Case Report

The axis is an important element of the musculoskeletal complex in the upper cervical spine. It is surrounded by a number of delicate neurological and vascular structures and controls a wide range of movements. Thus, a pathological C2 fracture is a threatening condition. Multiple myeloma and osteolytic metastases are the most frequent malignant lesions affecting the spine. However, the cervical spine, especially the C1 and C2 region, seems to be involved less often. In this study, we report a case of unstable C2 fracture treated with the percutaneous vertebroplasty. Vertebroplasty is a well-established procedure for pain control and stabilization of vertebral pathology including metastasis, hemangioma, and multiple myeloma. The PVP procedure allows the option of preserving the mobility of the upper cervical spine.