Abstract
The inferior accessory ossicle of the anterior arch of the atlas is quite rare and has been described in the literature by only few articles. However, these articles have only included plain radiographs in the description. In our case, the above ossicle is illustrated in two imaging modalities, plain radiography and CT imaging. The importance of this ossicle lies in its recognition as only an anatomical variant and not to be confused with other pathological conditions such as a fracture.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Chow K, Motamedi K, Seeger LL, Kalantari BN (2007) Accessory ossicles and sesamoid bones: spectrum of pathology and imaging evaluation. Appl Radiol 36:28–37
Cone RO, Flournoy J, MacPherson RI (1981) The craniocervical junction. Radiographics 1:1–36
Feldman VB (2003) Eagle’s syndrome: a case of symptomatic calcification of the stylohyoid ligaments. J Can Chiropr Assoc 47(1):21–27
Genez BM, Willis JJ, Lowrey CE, Lauerman WC, Woodruff W, Diaz MJ, Higgs JB (1990) CT findings of degenerative arthritis of the atlantoodontoid joint. Am J Roentgenol 154:315–318
Haun CL (1978) Retropharyngeal tendinitis. Am J Roentgenol 130:1137–1140
Jevtich V (1986) Horizontal fracture of the anterior arch of the atlas. J Bone Joint Surg Am 68:1094–1095
Juan RR, Anil KM, Mardjohan H (2004) Acute calcific tendinitis of the longus colli, Applied Radiology, Vol. 33
Keats TE (1967) The inferior accessory ossicle of the anterior arch of the atlas. Am J Roentgenol 101:834
Kohler A, Zimmer EA (1968) Borderlands of the normal and early pathologic in skeletal roentgenology (3rd American Edn.), Grune & Stratton, New York, pp 473–9
Lustrin ES, Karakas SP, Ortiz AO et al (2003) Pediatric cervical spine: normal anatomy, variants, and trauma. Radiographics 23:539–560
Pate D (1992) Is it a fracture or is it an accessory ossicle? Dynamic Chiropractic, Vol. 10
Von Ludinghausen M, Fahr M, Prescher A et al (2005) Accessory joints between basiocciput and atlas/axis in the median plane. Clin Anat 18:558–571
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Naji, M.F., Bhat, R. The typical appearance of the inferior accessory ossicle of the anterior arch of the atlas. Surg Radiol Anat 31, 69–71 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00276-008-0393-7
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00276-008-0393-7