A neonate with an anomalous bone attached to the cervical spine

Abstract

Background contextA digit/rib-like ectopic bone is a rare congenital anomaly that is most commonly seen in the thorax or pelvis. There is a single report of an adult possessing a phalanx-like bone in the cervical region; however, whether the abnormal bone was congenital or acquired remains elusive. PurposeTo elucidate that a phalanx-like bone in the cervical region represents a congenital anomaly. Study designCase report. MethodsReport of the imaging findings in a neonate with a palpable bone projection in the posterior neck. ResultsPlain radiographs demonstrated an ectopic bone posterior to the spinous process of the C5 vertebra. Three-dimensional computed tomography demonstrated that the anomalous bone was attached to the left lamina of the C5 vertebra and that there was abnormal segmentation of the left side of the cervical spine. ConclusionsThe anomalous bone in the neck is a congenital malformation that is accompanied by the maldevelopment of the cervical spine.