Block vertebra
Last revised by Dr Mostafa El-Feky ◉ on 26 Jan 2022
Citation, DOI & article data
Citation:
Bo, S., El-Feky, M. Block vertebra. Reference article, Radiopaedia.org. (accessed on 06 Jul 2022) https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-14807
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rID:
14807
Article created:
29 Aug 2011 by Dr Sam Bo
Revisions:
24 times by 15 users - see full revision history
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Synonyms:
- Block vertebrae
Block vertebra is a type of vertebral anomaly where there is a failure of separation of two or more adjacent vertebral bodies. It is an anatomic variant.
Pathology
In a block vertebra, there is partial or complete fusion of adjacent vertebral bodies.
Associations
- hemivertebrae/absent vertebra above or below block level and with posterior element fusion
- fusion of multiple cervical vertebral bodies is also seen in Klippel-Feil syndrome
- VACTERL association
Radiographic features
- combined vertebrae may be of normal height, short, or tall
- disc space is frequently rudimentary or absent
- the "wasp-waist sign" may be seen in congenital block vertebrae 4
References
- 1. Leivseth G, Frobin W, Brinckmann P. Congenital cervical block vertebrae are associated with caudally adjacent discs. Clin Biomech (Bristol, Avon). 2005;20 (7): 669-74. doi:10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2005.04.006 - Pubmed citation
- 2. Kumar R, Guinto FC, Madewell JE et-al. The vertebral body: radiographic configurations in various congenital and acquired disorders. Radiographics. 1988;8 (3): 455-85. Radiographics (abstract) - Pubmed citation
- 3. Dähnert W. Radiology Review Manual. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. (2011) ISBN:1609139437. Read it at Google Books - Find it at Amazon
- 4. Nguyen VD, Tyrrel R. Klippel-Feil syndrome: patterns of bony fusion and wasp-waist sign. Skeletal radiology. 1993;22 (7): 519-23. Pubmed
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