title: Os odontoideum detected on a lateral cephalogram of a 9-year-old orthodontic patient.
abstract: A 9-year-old girl was seen for routine orthodontic care. The lateral cephalogram revealed an irregularity, os odontoideum, of the second cervical vertebra. The patient was referred to a pediatric orthopedist, and subsequent surgical correction was accomplished without complications. This condition has significant implications for the spinal cord at the level of C1 and C2. Phase I orthodontic care proceeded normally.
authors.affiliation: Scottish Rite Children's Hospital, Atlanta, Ga.
authors.forename: H E
authors.initials: HE
authors.lastname: Hickam
authors.forename: R T
authors.initials: RT
authors.lastname: Morrissy
mesh_terms: D001368:Axis, Cervical Vertebra / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D002508:Cephalometry; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011859:Radiography