Os odontoideum: rare cervical lesion.
We report the case of a 22-year-old Marine who presented to the emergency department, after a martial arts exercise, with transient weakness and numbness in all extremities. Computed tomography cervical spine radiographs revealed os odontoideum. Lateral flexion-extension radiographs identified atlanto-axillary instability. This abnormality is rare and can be career ending for military members who do not undergo surgical fusion.
Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, Department of Emergency Medicine, Portsmouth, Virginia.
Kristie A
KA
Robson