MASSIVE OSTEOLYSIS OF THE SKULL AND UPPER CERVICAL-SPINE - CASE-REPORT AND REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

Massive osteolysis is a type of idiopathic osteolysis in which there i s spontaneous onset of bone resorption. Almost any bane in the body ca n be affected. The authors present the case of a 62-year-old man diagn osed with massive osteolysis of the occipital bone and the upper two c ervical vertebrae. Despite extensive pneumocephalus, no neurological s ign or spinal instability was evident. In this case 4000 cGy of radiat ion in 200-cGy fractions was administered to the diseased area while t he patient was kept in a Miami-J collar. At the 2-year follow-up exami nation, arrest of the disease process and new bone formation was evide nt on radiographic studies.