[Retro-odontoid synovial cyst with Forestier's disease].

Study Design: We report one case of 66-year-old man with Forestier disease and spinal cord compression by retro-odontoid synovial cyst.

Objectives And Methods: Although retro-odontoid synovial cysts remain rare, an increasing number have been reported in the literature. Affecting adults in the sixth decade of life, retro-odontoid synovial cysts produce slowly progressive upper spinal cord symptoms. Diagnosis can be achieved by means of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Association with Forestier's disease has been reported in only one previous study. Cyst probably develop as a result of enhanced mechanical stress on the only remaining mobile joint. In the literature treatment of retro-odontoid mass associated with Forestier has usually involved occipito-cervical fusion with transoral decompression.

Results: In this report we describe a patient treated by the posterolateral route with good short- and mid-term clinical and radiological outcome.

Conclusions: In comparison of transoral route, the advantages of the posterolatral route are shorter hospitalization and lower morbidity especially in elderly patients with operative risk factors.