Elongated Odontoid Process of Axis Vertebra.

Introduction: Odontoid process is a bony projection of axis around which the atlas rotates. It measures 1 to 1.25 cms in length and projects upwards from the body of Axis. An elongated odontoid process may narrow the foramen magnum causing compressive neurological symptoms. It can cause cervical stiffness, serious restrictions of neck movement, and even a bone-derived torticollis. Observation: During routine osteology classes, we encountered an Axis vertebra with an elongated odontoid process. The measurements of the elongated odontoid process were taken using digital Vernier slide calipers. Conclusion: Elongated odontoid process can be mistaken for fracture of dens in radiological images; hence the knowledge of elongated odontoid process is useful for the radiologists, neurosurgeons and orthopaedicians for accurate diagnosis and treatment involving cranio-vertebral junctions.

An unusual case of Synostosis of first and second rib.

Introduction: Congenital anomalies of the ribs are not so common but they are usually discovered as an incidental finding on routine radiography. Bicipital rib results due to fusion of cervical rib with the first rib or the first rib with the second. Its occurrence is not uncommon and more frequently unilateral. Observation: During routine course of osteology teaching we observed that the first rib had fused with the superior surface of second rib, on the left side. Fusion between the ribs had occurred 3cms from the tubercle of the first rib obliterating the first intercostal space anteriorly. Conclusion: The incidence of synostosis of ribs is 0.3% of the population. It is usually asymptomatic but they may cause musculoskeletal pain or intercostal nerve entrapment. Involvement of the 1st rib is one of the causes of thoracic outlet syndrome. A rib anomaly usually indicates an underlying systemic disease and might need surgical intervention. Hence the present paper is an attempt to highlight its morphological implications and clinical significance

Fifth lumbar vertebra associated with absence of spinous process, laminae and inferior articular processes – A case report.

Background: The vertebral disorders are the ones which lead to disability and lot of health problems. Since the lumbar part of the vertebral column is the main weight bearing and weight transmitting region, if there is a defective development, the area for muscle attachment and the strong bony structure for the transmission of weight would be missing leading to instability at an early age. In the present case dry and processed fifth lumbar vertebra, of unknown sex which presented the features with absence of spinous process, laminae and the inferior articular processes on both sides which were obtained for teaching the medical undergraduate students in M.S.Ramaiah Medical College, Bangalore. There was absence of spinous process, laminae and the inferior articular processes of fifth lumbar vertebra leading to a wide spina bifida with absence of laminae, inferior articular processes on both sides and spinous process of fifth lumbar vertebra which could be a developmental anomaly.

Persistent palmar pattern of Median artery bilaterally.

Persistent median artery and distribution in both hands, was observed in formalin fixed superior extremities of adult cadaver in the department of Anatomy, Dr. B.R.Ambedkar Medical College, Bangalore. The persistent median arteries on both sides were arising from ulnar artery, accompanied the median nerve and contributed to the superficial palmar arch which supplied the lateral 2 ½ fingers. Persistent median artery may be present asymptomatically in most of the individuals but it may lead to compression symptoms of median nerve when artery is subjected to compression. Therefore this kind of anomaly is of clinical importance.