title: Fissures in the anterior arch of the atlas diagnosed by careful study of the lateral radiographs.
abstract: Fissures in the anterior arch of the atlas are rare. The defect can properly be diagnosed on axial radiographs and can be suspected in studying carefully the lateral x-ray. The developmental cause of the split anterior arch and its clinical significance are discussed. A median cleft, analogous to a fissure in the anterior arch of the atlas, may also occur in the proatlas, as shown in one case.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001270:Cervical Atlas / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography