Abstract
The os odontoideum is an anomaly in which the odontoid is divided by a transverse gap, leaving the apical segment without support from its base. Because of its detachment from the axis body, os odontoideum can lead to hypermobility and instability. The following case report demonstrates rare magnetic resonance documentation of transverse atlantoaxial ligamentous injury with posterior atlantoaxial instability in a patient with os odontoideum.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Shiraski N, Okada K, Oka S, Hosono N, Yonenobu K, Ono K. Os odontoideum with posterior atlantoaxial instability. Spine 1991;16:706–15.
Rothman RH, Simeone FA. The spine. 3rd ed. Philadelphia: WB Saunders, 1992;279–89.
Von Torklus D, Gehle W. The upper cervical spine. New York: Grune & Stratton, 1972;45–9.
Ahlback I, Collert S. Destruction of the odontoid process due to apical pyogenic spondylitis. Acta Radiol 1970;10:394.
Fielding JW, Griffin PO. Os odontoideum: an acquired lesion. J Bone Joint Surg Am 1974;56:187.
Fielding JW, Hensinger RN, Hawkins RJ. Os odontoideum. J Bone Joint Surg Am 1980;62:376–83.
Schiff DCM, Parke WW. Arterial blood supply to the odontoid process (dens). Anat Rec 1985;172:399–400.
Zimarin R, Bosacco S. Os odontoideum. Orthopedics 1990; 13:687–8.
Heller JG, Levy MJ, Barrow DL. Odontoid fracture malunion with fixed atlantoaxial subluxation. Spine 1993;18:311–4.
Munday TL, Johnson MH, Hayes CW, Thompson EO, Smoker WRK. Musculoskeletal causes of spinal axis compromise: beyond the usual suspects. Radiographics 1994;14:1225–45.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Dross, P., Rizvi, A. Traumatic transverse atlantal ligamentous injury with posterior atlantoaxial instability in os odontoideum: Magnetic resonance features. Emergency Radiology 5, 442–445 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02749192
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02749192