Anterior cervical meningocele with craniovertebral junction instability – A case report and literature review

Abstract

Anterior meningocele involves herniation of meninges through an abnormal defect in the anterior vertebral column. The pathogenesis, natural history, and management strategy of anterior cervical meningocele (ACM) are uncertain. We report a case of ACM with high cervical instability in a case of neurofibromatosis 1. Unlike other reported cases, torticollis and instability due to ACM were the major concerns in this case. We aim to discuss the management strategy and surgical nuances of such cases.

Keywords

• anterior cervical meningocele
• craniovertebral junction instability
• dural ectasia
• mesodermal dysplasia
• neurofibromatosis type 1