Congenital Absence of the Posterior Arch of the Atlas A Strange but Benign Anomaly

ABSTRACT

Congenital partial aplasia of the atlas with a posterior arch remnant is rare. It may be found as an incidental radiological finding or patients can present with neurological signs and symptoms after head or neck trauma. A 36 year old female presented with a 3 day history of right sided neck pain radiating down the right arm. Radiographs of the cervical spine showed a radiolucent area in the region of the posterior arch of the atlas. Computed tomography subsequently revealed partial absence of the posterio