Ossification of the Transverse Ligament of the Atlas on CT: Frequency and Associated Findings
Purpose To determine the frequency of ossification of the transverse ligament of the atlas (OTLA) and to investigate the associated findings on cervical spine CT and plain radiography. Materials and Methods We reviewed 5201 CT scans of the cervical spine of 3975 consecutive patients over an 11-ye...
| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
The Korean Society of Radiology
2020-05-01
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| Series: | 대한영상의학회지 |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.3348/jksr.2020.81.3.654 |
| Summary: | Purpose To determine the frequency of ossification of the transverse ligament of the atlas
(OTLA) and to investigate the associated findings on cervical spine CT and plain radiography.
Materials and Methods We reviewed 5201 CT scans of the cervical spine of 3975 consecutive
patients over an 11-year period for the presence of OTLA and compared them with those of ageand
sex-matched controls. The frequency and associated findings of OTLA were investigated
and statistically correlated.
Results The overall frequency of OTLA was 1.1% (45 of 3975 patients) and increased with age (p <
0.005). The frequency of OTLA in patients over 80 years was 12%. The space available for the
spinal cord (SAC) was smaller in patients with OTLA (p < 0.005). Mineralization of the complex of
the anterior atlantooccipital membrane and Barkow ligament, ossification of the ligamentum
flavum, and kyphosis of the cervical spine positively correlated to the presence of OTLA (p <
0.005).
Conclusion OTLA was associated with age, SAC narrowing, cervical kyphosis, and ossification
of other cervical ligaments and may be associated with degenerative spondylosis, systemic hyperostotic
status, or mechanical stress or instability. |
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| ISSN: | 1738-2637 2288-2928 |