[Ossiculum terminale (Bergmann). Differential diagnosis of an odontoid fracture of the Anderson I type].
We describe a case of the rare entity of a persistent ossicle on the top of the odontoid process. In a short review of the literature, we show developmental abnormalities of the odontoid process and its etiologies. The terminal ossicle (Bergmann) plays an important role in the differential diagnosis of a fracture of the odontoid process type I in adults using the classification of Anderson and D'Alonzo. If fracture and instability is excluded by plain radiographs, computed tomography and/or MRI, there is no need for additional therapy.
Strohm
P C
PC
Department für Orthopädie und Traumatologie, Klinik für Traumatologie, Universitätsklinikum, Freiburg, strohm@ch11.ukl.uni-freiburg.de
Müller
C A
CA
Bley
T A
TA
Köstler
W
W
Südkamp
N P
NP
D000063:Accidents, Traffic; D000328:Adult; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D009809:Odontoid Process / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D013997:Time Factors; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed