1Assistant Professor, Department of Anatomy, Chintpurni Medical College and Hospital, Bungal, Pathankot, Punjab, INDIA
2Additional Professor, Department of Anatomy, Government Medical College, Amritsar – 143001, Punjab, INDIA
*Address for Correspondence: Dr. Monika Lalit, 24, Lane – 5, Gopal Nagar, Majitha Road, Amritsar – 143001, Punjab, INDIA Email: monika.lalt@yahoo.com
Fusion of upper cervical vertebrae has been reported to occur in healthy subjects as well as in pathological cases. An association exists between malformation of upper cervical vertebrae and patients with cleft lip, cleft palate, condylar hypoplasia and Klippel Fiel syndrome. During routine dissection of the joints of the cervical spine, two cases of fusion of Axis and third cervical vertebrae from adult males of 50 and 60 years respectively were found. The ontogenic, phylogenic and genetic basis for such kind of fusion has been discussed.Such conditions are rare and deserve special attention. It is essential to analyse anatomical interrelationship between vertebral bodies, intervertebral processes and successive pedicles for vital success of procedures like cervical fusion.
Axis, third cervical vertebra, vertebral fusion, Klippel Feil syndrome
