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Nuchal ligament ossification

Case contributed by Domenico Nicoletti
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Incidental finding.

Patient Data

Age: 65 years
Gender: Male

Cervical spine

x-ray

Presence of ossification of the nuchal ligament.

Case Discussion

Nuchal ligament is important for maintaining the lordotic alignment of the cervical spine and stabilizing the head during movement of the cervical spine.

Ossification of the nucal ligament manifests as a radio-opaque formation in the soft tissues just posterior to the spinous process of the cervical spine.

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