Evaluation of an unusual ossicle by multi-detector computed tomography: Oppenheimer’s ossicle

Abstract

Variations and anomalies of the neural arch result from alterations in the ossification process. Absence of lumbar articular process is a rare anomaly which most commonly involves the inferior articular process of the L4 or L5 vertebrae. Non-union at the tip of the articular process is a more common variation, known as Oppenheimer’s ossicle. In this case report, we present multi-detector computed tomography findings of Oppenheimer’s ossicles in 2 separate cases.

Keywords

• Inferior articular process
• multi-detector computed tomography
• Oppenheimer’s ossicle

Kaynakça

1. Testut L. Columna vertebral. In: Testut L, Latarjet A, edi- tors. Tratado de anatomía humana. Vol. 1, 8th ed. Barce- lona: Salvat Editores SA; 1932. p. 52–106.
2. Anatomy Atlases Website. www.anatomyatlases. org/. Bergman RA, Afifi AK, Miyauchi R. Illustrated encyclope- dia of human anatomic variation. Published January 1996. Revised January 2006. Accessed September 12, 2010.
3. Keats TE, Anderson MW. Atlas of normal roentgen vari- ants that may simulate disease. 8th ed. St. Louis, MO: Mosby; 2007. p. 156–363.
4. Klinghoffer L, Murdock MG, Hermel MB. Congenital ab- sence of lumbar articular facets. Report of two cases. Clin Orthop Relat Res 1975;106:151–4. CrossRef
5. Arcomano JP, Karas S. Congenital absence of the lumbo- sacral articular processes. Skeletal Radiol 1982;8:133–4.
6. Famer HL. Accessory articulary processes in the lumbar spine. AJR 1936;36:763.
7. Oppenheimer A. Supernumary ossicles at the istmus of neural arch. Radioloy 1942;39:98. CrossRef
8. Miki T, Oka M, Hama H, Shima M, Hirofuji E, Tanaka S. Vertical cleft through the superior articular process of the lumbar spine: fracture or anomaly? Case report. J Neuro- surg 1980;53:406–7. CrossRef

9. Chandraraj S. Failure of articular process (zygaphophy- seal) joint development as a cause of vertebral fusion (blocked vertebrae). J Anat 1987;153:55–62.
10. Yoshioka S, Sairyo K, Sakai T, Yasui N. Congenital ab- sence of lumbosacral articular facet joint associated with conjoined nerve root: a case report. J Orthop Traumatol 2010;11:183–7. CrossRef
11. Bailey W. Persistent vertebral processes. Radiology 1939;42:85.
12. Hipps HE. Fissure formation in articular processes of the lumbar vertebrae. J Bone Joint Surg 1939;21:289.
13. Hutcheson CJ, Howe JW. The low back and pelvis: clinical applications. 1st ed. Aspen Publishers Inc.; 1997. p. 74.
14. Andersson GB. Epidemiological features of chronic low- back pain. Lancet 1999;354:581–5. CrossRef
15. Pech P, Haughton VM. CT appearance of unfused os- sicles in the lumbar spine. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 1985;6:629–31.
16. Wang ZL, Yu S, Sether LA, Haughton VM. Incidence of unfused ossicles in the lumbar facet joints: CT, MR, and cryomicrotomy study. J Comput Assist Tomogr 1989;13:594–7. CrossRef