Published online Apr 16, 2022. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v10.i11.3533
Peer-review started: September 18, 2021
First decision: December 10, 2021
Revised: December 18, 2021
Accepted: February 27, 2022
Article in press: February 27, 2022
Published online: April 16, 2022
Andersson lesion (AL) is an uncommon complication in ankylosing spondylitis (AS), which is characterized by nonneoplastic bone destruction and often appears as bone destruction and sclerosis in the vertebral body and/or the area involving the intervertebral disc. According to the literature, Andersson lesion commonly occur in the thoracic and lumbar spine and rarely in the cervical spine.
This case involved a 78-year-old man with a long history of AS who developed AL in the cervical spine (C5/6 and C6/7). One-stage anterior-posterior approach surgery was successfully performed. At the 6-month follow-up, the pain was significantly reduced, and the limb function was gradually improved.
AL uncharacteristically appears in the cervical spine and tends to be misdiagnosed as vertebral metastases or spinal tuberculosis. Posterior combined with anterior surgery achieves solid biological stabilization in the treatment of AL bone destruction.
Core Tip: This case involved an Andersson lesion in the cervical spine that occurred in an ankylosing spondylitis patient and was very rare. The Andersson lesion was diagnosed based on orthopaedist clinical experience, imaging examinations and final pathology results. This case report provides a reference for the clinical diagnosis of such cases.