First Gross Anatomic Findings of an Os Odontoideum.
BACKGROUND
Os odontoideum is an uncommon abnormality of the craniovertebral junction where the tip of the odontoid process lacks continuity with the body of C2. The clinical presentation is variable, but severe neurologic impairment can result.


METHODS
We report the gross and radiologic findings of a cadaver found to harbor an os odontoideum.


CONCLUSIONS
To our knowledge, there are no cadaveric reports in the literature regarding an os odontoideum. Such a case allows a rare window into the anatomy and relationships of this pathologic structure.
Department of Neurological Surgery, Hospital Universitario San Ignacio, Bogotá, Colombia. Electronic address: jsardi2@gmail.com.
Juan P
JP
Sardi
Seattle Science Foundation, Seattle, Washington, USA.
Joe
J
Iwanaga
Seattle Science Foundation, Seattle, Washington, USA.
Rod J
RJ
Oskouian
Seattle Science Foundation, Seattle, Washington, USA; Department of Anatomical Sciences, St. George's University, Grenada, West Indies.
R Shane
RS
Tubbs
D000368:Aged; D001268:Atlanto-Axial Joint / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000473:pathology; D002102:Cadaver; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009809:Odontoid Process / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000473:pathology*; D013122:Spinal Diseases / Q000473:pathology*
Anatomy; Cadaveric; Craniocervical; Dens; Odontoid process