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Unusual finding of the craniocervical junction
R Shane Tubbs1, Elizabeth C Tyler-Kabara, E George Salter
1Department of Cell Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham. rstubbs@uab.edu
Clinical Anatomy (New York, N.Y.)
|July 15, 2005
Summary
A rare upper cervical spine anomaly, characterized by an unfused atlas anterior arch and odontoid fusion, was identified in a child post-accident. This sixth reported case highlights a unique congenital bony malformation with no neurological deficit.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Pediatric Radiology
- Anatomy
Background:
- Congenital anomalies of the upper cervical spine are uncommon.
- The atlas (C1) and axis (C2) are complex structures crucial for head mobility and stability.
Observation:
- An 8-year-old child presented with a rare bony anomaly of the upper cervical spine after a motor vehicle accident.
- CT imaging revealed an unfused anterior arch of the atlas and fusion of the odontoid process to the atlas anterior arch.
Findings:
- The anomaly represents a specific type of atlantoaxial malformation.
- Despite the bony fusion, the child exhibited no neurological deficits or restricted cervical spine motion.
Implications:
- This case adds to the limited literature on this specific upper cervical spine anomaly.
- Understanding such rare congenital malformations is vital for accurate diagnosis and management in pediatric patients.
- Further research into the embryological origins and long-term implications of this anomaly is warranted.