Abstract
A 7-year-old boy presented with os odontoideum after a 5 story fall at 19 months of age, at which time roentgenograms documented a normal odontoid. Current flexion-extension films revealed a marked altlantoaxial instability related to the acquired "os." The treatment consisted of an atlantoaxial arthrodesis. Acquired os odontoideum is a recognized, though uncommon entity in which it is hypothesized that trauma produces vascular insufficiency, with subsequent resorption of the central portion of the odontoid, resulting in the classical features of os odontoideum. It is often associated with instability, with potential danger to the spinal cord. Instability in cases of os odontoideum is a positive indication for atlantoaxial arthrodesis.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
