Congenital Hypoplasia of the Posterior Arch of the Atlas Associated with a Fracture of the Odontoid Process: A Case Report.
10.4184/jkss.2012.19.2.64
- Author:
Sung Kyun OH
1
;
Seung Bin LEE
Author Information
1. Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Wonkwang University, Iksan, Korea. niceo@hanmail.net
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Atlas;
Hypoplasia;
Congenital;
Anomaly;
Dens fracutre
- MeSH:
Accidents, Traffic;
Diagnostic Errors;
Humans;
Immobilization;
Middle Aged;
Neck Pain;
Odontoid Process
- From:Journal of Korean Society of Spine Surgery
2012;19(2):64-67
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
STUDY DESIGN: Case report. OBJECTIVES: To report a rare posterior arch hypoplasia of the atlas and review the clinical significance. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Congenital hypoplasia of posterior arch of the atlas is uncommon. In particular, the combined fracture of the odontoid process has not been reported. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 56-year-old man developed severe neck pain after a traffic accident. Cervical CT scan revealed a fracture of the odontoid process and hypoplasia of posterior arch of the atlas. RESULTS: Bony union was achieved after halo vest immobilization for three months. CONCLUSIONS: Hypoplasia of posterior arch of the atlas is determined incidentally in asymptomatic patients. However, the patients should be evaluated in detail with a 3D CT and MRI to avoid a misinterpretation as fracture, instability or misdiagnosis.
