Three neglected cases of minor trauma to the craniovertebral junction with potentially disastrous consequences

Abstract

Os odontoideum is a rare congenital anomaly predisposing to atlantoaxial instability. It may rarely present with a history of trivial trauma followed by slow progressive features of compressive myelopathy. Dens fractures, though not uncommon, may also remain undiagnosed and present later on with nonunion. Hence, it is very important for these patients to undergo proper clinical evaluation and appropriate imaging.

Keywords

• Compressive myelopathy
• computed tomography
• dens fracture
• minor trauma
• magnetic resonance imaging
• os odontoideum