Sesamoid ossicle of nuchal ligament

Case contributed by Ammar Haouimi
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Neck pain.

Patient Data

Age: 60 years
Gender: Male

Well-corticated ovoid ossification of the posterior soft tissues of the neck along the course of the nuchal ligament, posterior to the spinous processes of C5 and C6 which are also well-corticated excluding the possibility of an avulsion fracture.

Loss of the normal cervical lordosis with moderate C5-C6 disc space narrowing.

Case Discussion

Sesamoid ossicles of the nuchal ligament are relatively common anatomical variants seen in around 7.5% of the population. Usually asymptomatic and most commonly occur at the C5-C6 or C6-C7 vertebral levels. They should not be mistaken for an avulsion fracture of the spinal process.

How to use cases

You can use Radiopaedia cases in a variety of ways to help you learn and teach.

Creating your own cases is easy.