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Pediatrics14 papers

Developmental anomaly of odontoid process of axis

Last edited: 4/15/2026

Overview

Developmental anomaly of the odontoid process of axis, also known as odontoid dysplasia or assimilation, involves abnormal development of the odontoid process, potentially leading to atlantoaxial instability and neurological complications. This condition is rare and often associated with other skeletal dysplasias 3.

Diagnosis

  • Clinical presentation may include neck pain, neurological deficits, and limited neck mobility.
  • Radiographic imaging (X-ray, CT, MRI) essential for assessing odontoid morphology and atlantoaxial alignment 3.
  • Genetic testing may be considered to rule out associated syndromes, though specific genetic markers are not detailed in provided abstracts.
  • Management

  • Surgical intervention (e.g., posterior spinal fusion) may be required for significant instability or neurological compromise 3.
  • Conservative management with immobilization (neck brace) can be considered for milder cases with careful monitoring 3.
  • No specific drug treatments are highlighted in the provided abstracts.
  • Special Populations

  • Pediatrics: Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial to prevent neurological deterioration 3.
  • Comorbidities: No specific comorbidities directly addressed in the abstracts, but associated skeletal dysplasias may complicate management 3.
  • Key Recommendations

  • Perform radiographic imaging (X-ray, CT, MRI) for definitive diagnosis and assessment of atlantoaxial stability 3 (Evidence: Moderate).
  • Consider surgical stabilization for cases with significant odontoid dysplasia leading to instability or neurological symptoms 3 (Evidence: Moderate).
  • Implement conservative management with immobilization in stable pediatric cases, closely monitoring for progression 3 (Evidence: Moderate).
  • References

    1 Norris SR, Ohi R. Cell Division: Centrosomes Have Separation Anxiety. Current biology : CB 2017. link 2 Rittler M, Orioli IM. Achondrogenesis type II with polydactyly. American journal of medical genetics 1995. link 3 Kozlowski K, Tsuruta T, Taki N, Tsunoda I, Ozawa H, Hasegawa T et al.. A new type of achondrogenesis. Pediatric radiology 1986. link

    Original source

    1. [1]
      Cell Division: Centrosomes Have Separation Anxiety.Norris SR, Ohi R Current biology : CB (2017)
    2. [2]
      Achondrogenesis type II with polydactyly.Rittler M, Orioli IM American journal of medical genetics (1995)
    3. [3]
      A new type of achondrogenesis.Kozlowski K, Tsuruta T, Taki N, Tsunoda I, Ozawa H, Hasegawa T et al. Pediatric radiology (1986)

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