The Inferior Accessory Ossicle of the Anterior Arch of the Atlas Misdiagnosed as Anterior Arch Fracture - A Case Report -

Study Design: Case report. Objectives: We report a very rare case of the inferior accessory ossicle of the anterior arch of the atlas misdiagnosed as anterior arch fracture. Summary of Literature Review: It is necessary to know the existence of inferior accessory ossicle of the anterior arch of the atlas, even though it is extremely rare. Materials and Methods: A 29-year-old woman was referred to our emergency service unit with symptoms of neck pain and scalp laceration, after being involved in a car accident. She was diagnosed as the inferior accessory ossicle of the anterior arch of the atlas, by multiple diagnostic mordalities. Results: The symptom of neck pain was relieved spontaneously, and her symptom has been relieved at her latest visit, as a follow up within 3 months. Conclusions: It is important to be aware of cervical anatomical variants because we commonly confuse it with other pathologic conditions, such as a fracture and thus, misdiagnose the condition.