Oppenheimer ossicle: illustrations

Case contributed by Matt Skalski
Diagnosis not applicable
Diagram

An ossicle is present at the tip of the inferior articular process on the left.

Case Discussion

Oppenheimer ossicles are an uncommon (but not rare) anatomic variant, thought to represent an ununited secondary ossification center. They are variably symptomatic and often show signs of accelerated degenerative arthrosis at the involved joint, along with other morphologic facet changes (facet tropism).

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