Calcification of the alar ligament mimics fracture of the craniovertebral junction (CVJ): an incidental finding from computerised tomography of the cervical spine following trauma

Che Mohamed, Siti Kamariah and Abd. Aziz, Azian (2009) Calcification of the alar ligament mimics fracture of the craniovertebral junction (CVJ): an incidental finding from computerised tomography of the cervical spine following trauma. Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences, 16 (4). pp. 69-72. ISSN 1394-195X

Preview

PDF (Calcification of the Alar Ligament Mimics Fracture) Download (1MB) | Preview

Abstract

When performing a radiological assessment for a trauma case with associated head injury, a fragment of dense tissue detected near the craniovertebral junction would rapidly be assessed as a fractured bone fragment. However, if further imaging and evaluation of the cervical spine with computerised tomography (CT) did not demonstrate an obvious fracture, then the possibility of ligament calcification would be considered. We present a case involving a previously healthy 44-year old man who was admitted following a severe head injury from a road traffic accident. CT scans of the head showed multiple intracrania haemorrhages, while scans of the cervical spine revealed a small, well-defined, ovoid calcification in the right alar ligament. This was initially thought to be a fracture fragment. Although such calcification is uncommon, accident and emergency physicians and radiologists may find this useful as a differential diagnosis in patients presenting with neck pain or traumatic head injury.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Additional Information:	4532/1233
Uncontrolled Keywords:	cervical spine, calcification, computerised tomography, injury, medical sciences
Subjects:	R Medicine > R Medicine (General)
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Medicine Kulliyyah of Medicine > Department of Radiology
Depositing User:	Ms Zati Atiqah Mohamad Tanuri
Date Deposited:	02 Aug 2011 15:17
Last Modified:	26 Apr 2013 18:24
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/1233

Actions (login required)

View Item