Sesamoid Ossicles of the Nuchal Ligament

Description

Lateral view X-ray imaging of the cervical spine demonstrating the existence of an ossicle within the nuchal ligament at the level of C5 vertebral spinous process (arrow).

Name

• Sesamoid Ossicles of the Nuchal Ligament

General

• Relatively common anatomical variant that are usually asymptomatic
• Ossicles are found in the nuchal ligament
• Most commonly at the C5/C6 or C6/C7 vertebral levels
• One of the accessory bones of the spine

Epidemiology

• Found in approximately 7.5% of the population
• Male predominance is 3:1

Associations

• Ossification center of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament

Radiographic Features

• Well defined, corticated, round/oval seen on the lateral projection
• On CT, corticated bone with central marrow within the nuchal ligament

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Clinical Significance

• Typically, incidental/ asymptomatic

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See Also

• Accessory Bones Main
• Neck Anatomy Main
• Radiology Main

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