Malformed vertebrae: a clinical and imaging review

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Developmental Biology
• Orthopedics

Background:

• Vertebral column malformations stem from errors in formation, fusion, or segmentation during development.
• These anomalies range from clinically insignificant to severe, impacting neurological function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review vertebral column embryology, anatomy, and malformations.
• To correlate imaging findings with clinical implications of vertebral developmental anomalies.

Main Methods:

• Review of embryological development of the vertebral column.
• Analysis of normal, variant, and abnormal vertebral morphology on imaging.
• Discussion of clinical consequences and differential diagnoses.

Main Results:

• Malformed vertebrae can mimic acute trauma on imaging (e.g., bipartite atlas vs. Jefferson fracture).
• Certain vertebral malformations increase risk for trauma or myelopathy.
• Associated spinal cord abnormalities may be present.

Conclusions:

• Accurate interpretation of vertebral malformations requires knowledge of normal and abnormal morphology.
• Understanding these anomalies improves diagnostic confidence in complex clinical scenarios.