title: Dynamic CT scan of the craniovertebral junction: a role in the management of os odontoideum.
abstract: Os odontoideum is an uncommon abnormality of the cranio-vertebral junction (CVJ) that exists as a separate ossicle apart from a hypoplastic dens. Its genesis and natural history have been debated, and its proper treatment remains uncertain. A 48-year-old woman complained of persistent upper neck pain and paraesthesia of her left side. Magnetic resonance imaging of the CVJ demonstrated an os odontoideum. Dynamic computed tomography scan of the CVJ showed a reduction of the space available for the spinal cord to 50% from extended to flexed position. The patient underwent posterior spinal fusion of C1-C2 using a sublaminar titanium hook and rods fixed in moderate extension. We discuss the usefulness of the dynamic computed tomography (CT) scan in the evaluation of atlantoaxial motion and the management of this pathology.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Military Hospital, Rabat, Morocco. abad20031@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Abad Cherif
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: El Asri
authors.forename: Ali
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Akhaddar
authors.forename: Miloudi
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Gazzaz
authors.forename: Naama
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Okacha
authors.forename: Omar
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Boulhroud
authors.forename: Hassan
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Baallal
authors.forename: Hatim
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Belfquih
authors.forename: Adil
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Belhachmi
authors.forename: Cherkaoui
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Mandour
authors.forename: Brahim
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: El Mostarchid
authors.forename: Mohamed
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Boucetta
mesh_terms: D001268:Atlanto-Axial Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006987:Hypesthesia / Q000209:etiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D019547:Neck Pain / Q000209:etiology; D009809:Odontoid Process / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D013123:Spinal Fusion / Q000379:methods*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed