Accessory ossicle of the anterior arch of the atlas
Citation, DOI, disclosures and article data
Citation:
Deng F, Gaillard F, Tatco V, et al. Accessory ossicle of the anterior arch of the atlas. Reference article, Radiopaedia.org (Accessed on 20 Jan 2025) https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-19582
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19582
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Disclosures:
At the time the article was created Matt Skalski had no recorded disclosures.
View Matt Skalski's current disclosures
Last revised:
Disclosures:
At the time the article was last revised Francis Deng had no recorded disclosures.
View Francis Deng's current disclosures
Revisions:
11 times, by
10 contributors -
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Synonyms:
- Accessory ossicle at the anterior arch of the atlas
The accessory ossicle of the anterior arch of the atlas is a normal variant and is best appreciated on a lateral cervical/sagittal study. It is observed as a circular and corticated osseous density that articulates with the inferior aspect of the anterior arch of the atlas.
It is not associated with patient symptomatology. Historical and clinical correlation of injury or other disease states may reveal the other differential considerations as possibilities if radiographic findings are nonspecific.
Differential diagnosis
- calcific tendinitis (HADD) of the longus colli insertion (generally more homogeneously dense without a visible cortical rim)
- heterotopic ossification
- calcification of the anterior longitudinal ligament (also more homogeneous and generally more linear)
Quiz questions
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References
- 1. Anderson MW, Keats TE. Atlas of Normal Roentgen Variants That May Simulate Disease, Expert Consult - Enhanced Online Features and Print. W B Saunders Company. (2012) ISBN:0323073557. Read it at Google Books - Find it at Amazon
- 2. Naji MF, Bhat R. The typical appearance of the inferior accessory ossicle of the anterior arch of the atlas. Surg Radiol Anat. 2009;31 (1): 69-71. doi:10.1007/s00276-008-0393-7 - Pubmed citation
- 3. Gambardella A, Meoli S. Inferior accessory ossicle of the anterior arch of the atlas. Radiol Med. 1984;69 (9): 673-4. Pubmed citation
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