Third Condyle
Description
Name
- Third Condyle
- Condylus tertius
- Median occipital condyle
- Medial third condyle
General
- Rare anatomic variant of the occipital bone
- Can mimic an occipital condyle fracture
- Part of the spectrum of occipital vertebrae
Epidemiology
- Rare variant
- Found in approximately 0.5% to 2.5% of individuals[3]
- Has an association with Os Odontoideum
Clinical Presentation
- Typically an incidental finding
- If it articulates with axis or atlas, may case neck pain
- Rarely, it can cause neural compression[4]
Radiographic Features
- Appears as a midline bony protuberance at the base of the clivus, anterior to foramen magnum
- May exist as an isolated accessory ossicle or be fused to the occiput
Clinical Significance
- Clinical significance is not well understood or described
See Also
References
- ↑ Pang, Dachling, and Dominic NP Thompson. "Embryology and bony malformations of the craniovertebral junction." Child's Nervous System 27 (2011): 523-564.
- ↑ Rajasekharan, Chandrasekharan, et al. "Condylus tertius and episodic vertigo: is there an association?." Case Reports 2013 (2013): bcr2013009842.
- ↑ Prescher A, Brors D, Adam G. Anatomic and Radiologic Appearance of Several Variants of the Craniocervical Junction. Skull Base Surg. 1996;6(2):83-94
- ↑ Pang D & Thompson D. Embryology and Bony Malformations of the Craniovertebral Junction. Childs Nerv Syst. 2010;27(4):523-64