Atlantoaxial dislocation and os odontoideum in two identical twins: perspectives on etiology.

PURPOSE

There are two theories about the origin of os odontoideum: traumatic or congenital. However, most studies favor the hypothesis of traumatic theory. To emphasize the congenital theory, we report a pair of identical twins both with atlantoaxial dislocation and os odontoideum, which is believed to be a congenital defect.

METHODS

We present two 14-year-old identical twins with atlantoaxial dislocation and os odontoideum. Neither of the twins had history of trauma in head nor cervical spine. We reviewed and compared the cervical radiographs of the identical twins. Posterior atlantoaxial reduction, pedicle screw fixation and atlantoaxial fusion were performed for the two twins.

RESULTS

Radiological examination showed the identical twins had typical atlantoaxial dislocation and os odontoideum. The twins had high similarity in the appearance of atlantoaxial dislocation and os odontoideum. The etiology of the os odontoideum in the twins is believed to be congenital. Both the twins had improvement in neurological function after surgery.

CONCLUSION

Although a great number of cases with os odontoideum have been reported to be traumatic, there are some cases believed to be congenital.