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Child's Nervous System
Published in: Child's Nervous System 11/2015

01-11-2015 | Review Paper

The odontoid process: a comprehensive review of its anatomy, embryology, and variations

Authors: Seleipiri Akobo, Elias Rizk, Marios Loukas, Jens R. Chapman, Rod J. Oskouian, R. Shane Tubbs

Published in: Child's Nervous System | Issue 11/2015

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Abstract

Background

The odontoid process is a critical component of the cranio-cervical junction. Therefore, clinicians who diagnose, treat, or operate this region need a strong background in regard to the embryology, anatomy, and anatomical variations that may be seen for the odontoid process.

Methods

A literature review was performed, using standard search engines, to explore the morphology, embryology, and anatomical variants of the odontoid process.

Conclusions

A sound understanding of the development of the odontoid process, both in normal and in variant forms, as well as its phenotypical morphology is a prerequisite for the diagnosis and treatment of patients presenting with disorders affecting the cranio-cervical spine.
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Metadata
Title
The odontoid process: a comprehensive review of its anatomy, embryology, and variations
Authors
Seleipiri Akobo
Elias Rizk
Marios Loukas
Jens R. Chapman
Rod J. Oskouian
R. Shane Tubbs
Publication date
01-11-2015
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
Child's Nervous System / Issue 11/2015
Print ISSN: 0256-7040
Electronic ISSN: 1433-0350
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00381-015-2866-4

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