Os odontoideum in children: neurological manifestations and surgical management

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Dyck P. x Neurosurgery. [JC:nzl] 2(2):93-9, 1978 Mar-Apr. x The os odontoideum is a congenital anomaly of the 2nd cervical vertebra. x It is an ossicle that is separated from the body of the axis by a variable x transverse gap. This weakens atlantoaxial stability. When ligamentous x support also fails, subluxation ensues. Compressive myelopathy and x vertebral artery obliteration may occur. Eight cases, all in children, x were studied prospectively. The neurological manifestations and surgical x indications and treatment are discussed. x