Juan P Sardi1, Joe Iwanaga2, Rod J Oskouian2, R Shane Tubbs3. 1. Department of Neurological Surgery, Hospital Universitario San Ignacio, Bogotá, Colombia. Electronic address: jsardi2@gmail.com. 2. Seattle Science Foundation, Seattle, Washington, USA. 3. Seattle Science Foundation, Seattle, Washington, USA; Department of Anatomical Sciences, St. George's University, Grenada, West Indies.
Abstract
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.
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.