Abstract

OSENI, A; KAKAVAS, G; SCHOLZ, M  and  PETRIDIS, A. Resolution of a periodontoid rheumatoid pannus mass in an elderly patient treated with a rigid cervical collar: A case report and literature review. SAMJ, S. Afr. med. j. [online]. 2016, vol.106, n.7, pp.687-688. ISSN 2078-5135.  http://dx.doi.org/10.7196/samj.2016.v106i7.9861.

In patients with C2 rheumatoid pannus with spinal cord compression the treatment of choice is extensive surgery either through a transoral resection of the dens axis or a dorsal stabilisation, or both. We present a case of an 11 -mm rheumatoid pannus with significant compression of the spinal cord, which failed surgical treatment with respect to dorsal stabilisation. Therefore, rigid cervical collar for 8 weeks followed by soft collar for another 4 weeks was chosen as a treatment option. During the follow-up period of 1 year, the pannus reduced significantly and the spinal cord decompressed. In cases where surgery is not an option or is technically very demanding, the alternative of cervical collar immobilisation is a satisfying option.

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