Primary Diagnosis

Congenital absence of the right cervical pedicle. (producing a developmental facet dislocation)

Secondary Diagnosis

pedicle, posterior elements

Diagnosis Discussion

Congenital absence of a cervical pedicle is an unusual disorder with potentially confusing clinical and radiologic manifestations. The typical radiologic triad of findings included (1) the false appearance of an enlarged neural foramen owing to the absent pedicle; (2) a dysplastic, dorsally displaced ipsilateral articular pillar and lamina; and (3) a dysplastic ipsilateral transverse process. Note that the MRI supports the absence of an acute injury as there is no edema in the ligamentous structures nor is there evidence of subluxation at the involved level, (an expected finding with a UID or DFS1 type injury).

General Anatomic Area:

Cervical

Secondary Anatomic Area:

pedicle, posterior elements

Disease Category:

Congenital

Contributor:

AE Flanders, MD

Date:

02/01/2005

Difficulty Level:

Difficult

Pathology Confirmed?:

No
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ACR Category Number:

N/A

Keywords:

congenital spine anomalies