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Traumatic atlantoaxial dislocation causing os odontoideum in infants
Spine
|May 1, 1980
Insights
Os odontoideum, a debated spinal condition, may develop post-trauma in infants. This study suggests postnatal fracture of the odontoid process causes this abnormality, potentially leading to severe cord compression.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Orthopedics
- Spinal Surgery
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- The exact cause of os odontoideum remains unclear, with ongoing debate in the medical community.
- Os odontoideum is a rare developmental anomaly of the upper cervical spine.
Observation:
- Two infant cases of traumatic atlantoaxial dislocation were observed.
- Os odontoideum subsequently developed in both infants following the initial trauma.
Findings:
- The study proposes a novel theory for os odontoideum pathogenesis.
- Postnatal fracture of the odontoid process is hypothesized as the cause of os odontoideum development after trauma.
Implications:
- This finding could reshape the understanding of os odontoideum development.
- Early identification and management of odontoid fractures may prevent os odontoideum and its complications.
- One infant experienced fatal cervical myelopathy due to cord compression, highlighting the severity of potential complications.
Abstract:
The pathogenesis of os odontoideum is still a subject of debate. The authors encountered two infants who had traumatic atlantoaxial dislocation and in whom os odontoideum later developed. One of the infants died of tardive cervical myelopathy secondary to cord compression. The authors present their concept that postnatal development of this abnormality results from fracture of the odontoid.