Lesion of the craniovertebral junction in ankylosing spondylitis: rare clinical observations

Two cases of surgical treatment for lesions of the craniovertebral junction in patients with ankylosing spondylitis accompanied by severe neurological symptoms are described. Patients underwent one-step combined interventions. The first stage included occipitospondylodesis using screw instrumentation, and the second – transoral removal of the C2 odontoid process. Surgical treatment resulted in elimination of the spinal cord compression, regression of neurological deficit existed in patients before surgery, and achievement of stable fixation in the intervention area.