Myositis ossificans of the longus coli muscle following cervical spine fracture-dislocation.

Background: Upper cervical spine fractures are traumatic injuries typically associated with high-energy trauma and have a high morbidity and mortality rate. We describe a case of upper cervical spine fracture occurring due to high-energy trauma that resulted in significant myositis ossificans (MO) of the longus coli muscle.

Study Design: Case Report and literature review.

Methods: Retrospective review of medical records.

Results: The patient was treated non-operatively for the neck rotation and MO of his longus coli muscle and had gradual improvement of symptoms.

Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first report of symptomatic MO of the longus coli following traumatic cervical spine fracture in an adult. Treatment with supportive measures appears to achieve satisfactory outcome.