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Occipital spurs on lateral cephalometric radiographs: morphologic and morphometric features
Dilara Nil Gunacar1, Merve Gonca2, Taha Emre Kose2
1Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Dentomaxillofacial Radiology, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University, Rize, Turkey. dt.dilaranil@gmail.com.
Oral Radiology
|October 29, 2021
Summary
Occipital spurs are common anatomical findings on lateral cephalometric radiographs, with type varying significantly by sex but not by age. Ossification of the ligamentum nuchae (ONL) was rarely detected and unrelated to spurs.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Anatomy
- Orthodontics
Background:
- Occipital spurs and ossification of the ligamentum nuchae (ONL) are anatomical variations that can be observed on lateral cephalometric radiographs.
- Understanding their prevalence and characteristics is important for accurate diagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the presence, morphology, and morphometry of occipital spurs.
- To assess the prevalence of ossification of the ligamentum nuchae (ONL).
- To compare these findings between individuals under and over 18 years of age.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 1312 lateral cephalometric radiographs from individuals aged 14-50 years.
- Evaluation of occipital spur presence, measurement, and classification (flat, crest, spine).
- Assessment for the presence of ONL.
Main Results:
- Occipital spurs were detected in 52.5% of individuals over 18 and 47.5% under 18.
- Spur types differed significantly between sexes: females showed more spine-type, males more flat-type.
- Spur length was not significantly affected by age or sex; ONL was rare.
Conclusions:
- Occipital spur types vary significantly by sex, but not by age or spur length.
- Occipital spurs are often asymptomatic and incidentally found on radiographs.
- These findings highlight the importance of recognizing occipital spurs in radiographic interpretation.
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