Surgical Approaches
(Left) Axial graphic shows the anteromedial approach (green line), which uses the space between the sternocleidomastoid muscle and the tracheoesophageal complex medially. The anterolateral approach (black line) posterior to the…
Syphilitic Myelitis
Very rare in antibiotic era General paresis, dementia, tabes dorsalis (sensory ataxia with bowel and bladder dysfunction) Clinical Issues • Lower extremity weakness, pyramidal signs, bowl and bladder dysfunction, polyradiculopathy • Nontreponemal…
Partial Vertebral Duplication
Anteroposterior radiography depicts a typical supernumerary hemivertebra positioned between the right L2 and L3 vertebral levels, resulting in convex right scoliotic curvature. Coronal T1WI MR depicts a small left thoracic…
Nomenclature of Degenerative Disc Disease
(Left) Sagittal graphic of a disc bulge shows generalized extension of the disc margin beyond the vertebral body . An axial view must show generalized extension > 90° of the…
Bone Island
(Left) Thoracolumbar anteroposterior radiograph demonstrates sclerotic focus within the lower thoracic vertebral body, adjacent to the pedicle. There is characteristic nonaggressive appearance with sclerotic density and brush-like margins that suggest…
Paracondylar Process
If not attached to occipital bone, process is isolated rod-like bony element called massa paracondylica Portions may be pneumatized from mastoid air cells Top Differential Diagnoses • Assimilation of C1 into…
Measurement Techniques
Rheumatoid Arthritis Measurements CV Junction Trauma Measurements (Left) Sagittal graphic of craniocervical junction shows Wackenheim clival line (red) extending tangent to the normal odontoid position. The line is drawn from…
Fracture Classification
Score is a total of 3 components. Score ≤ 3 suggests nonoperative treatment, while score of 4 is indeterminate. Score ≥ 5 suggests operative treatment. For injury mechanism, the worst…
