Clinical And Embryological Rationale Of Occipitalization Of Atlas

Abstract

Introduction Anatomical variations have always been fascinating topics for research, revealing the hidden and rare findings. We have observed a skull assimilated with first cervical vertebra (atlas) leaving some perforations along the line of fusion. Atlas does not bear body like other cervical vertebrae, forms atlano-occpital joint which allow flexion, extension particularly nodding movement to the head. Case Report We have come across with total fusion of atlas with skull during undergraduate medical teaching. The skull was completely examined. The lateral mass showed complete fusion with occipital condyles. Anterior arch was completely fused with occipital bone whereas there were some perforations along the line of fusion between posterior arch and occipital bone. Conclusion Occpitalization of atlas may severe complications ranges from headache to spinal cord compression. This condition may be characterised by headache, cervical pain, postural abnormality, restricted flexion and extension of neck specially nodding movement, pain and numbness in the upper limb(s).