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Updated: Mar 5, 2026

Systematic Assessment of Mammalian Skull Specimens for Dental and Temporomandibular Joint Pathology
Published on: August 22, 2022
First Gross Anatomic Findings of an Os Odontoideum
Juan P Sardi1, Joe Iwanaga2, Rod J Oskouian2
1Department of Neurological Surgery, Hospital Universitario San Ignacio, Bogotá, Colombia.
Background:
Os odontoideum is an uncommon abnormality of the craniovertebral junction where the tip of the odontoid process lacks continuity with the body of C2. The clinical presentation is variable, but severe neurologic impairment can result.
Case Description:
We report the gross and radiologic findings of a cadaver found to harbor an os odontoideum.
Conclusions:
To our knowledge, there are no cadaveric reports in the literature regarding an os odontoideum. Such a case allows a rare window into the anatomy and relationships of this pathologic structure.
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