Occipitocervical synostosis and its clinical significance –a case report

Craniovertebraljunction shows the presence of various anatomical variations and abnormalities. The present case report describes a case of fusion of superior articular facets of atlas vertebra with the occipital condyles, observed during the routine osteology classes for undergraduate medical students of MVJ Medical College and Research Hospital, Bangalore. Such type of complete or partial fusion of atlas vertebra with occipital bone is known as occipitocervical synostosis. Occipitalisation of atlas is associated with various neurological signs and symptoms ranging from mild headache to sudden unexpected death due to the narrowing of foramen magnum compressing the spinal cord or brain stem.