title: CT and MR imaging of odontoid abnormalities: A pictorial review.
abstract: Odontoid process is the central pillar of the craniovertebral junction. Imaging of this small structure continues to be a challenge for the radiologists due to complex bony and ligamentous anatomy. A wide range of developmental and acquired abnormalities of odontoid have been identified. Their accurate radiologic evaluation is important as different lesions have markedly different clinical course, patient management, and prognosis. This article seeks to provide knowledge for interpreting appearances of odontoid on computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with respect to various disease processes, along with providing a quick review of the embryology and relevant anatomy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radio-Diagnosis, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER and RML), Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, New Delhi, India.
authors.forename: Nishchint
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Jain
authors.affiliation: Department of Radio-Diagnosis, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER and RML), Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, New Delhi, India.
authors.forename: Ritu
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Verma
authors.affiliation: Department of Radio-Diagnosis, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER and RML), Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, New Delhi, India.
authors.forename: Umesh C
authors.initials: UC
authors.lastname: Garga
authors.affiliation: Department of Radio-Diagnosis, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER and RML), Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, New Delhi, India.
authors.forename: Barinder P
authors.initials: BP
authors.lastname: Baruah
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER and RML), Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, New Delhi, India.
authors.forename: Sachin K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Jain
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER and RML), Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, New Delhi, India.
authors.forename: Surya N
authors.initials: SN
authors.lastname: Bhaskar
keywords: Anterior longitudinal ligament; atlanto-axial dislocation; atlanto-dental interval; basilar invagination; computed tomography; cranio-vertebral junction; fracture; magnetic resonance imaging; odontoid; posterior longitudinal ligament; transverse atlantal ligament