open access

Vol 79, No 4 (2020)
Original article
Submitted: 2019-11-19
Accepted: 2019-11-21
Published online: 2019-12-03
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Features and clinical significance of the ossification centres in the odontoid process based on micro-computed tomography

W. Wang, X. Wang, X. Ren, Z. Li, B. Su, Y. Xu, X. Xu, D. Lv, W. Liu, S. Zhang, L. Chen, X. Li
·
Pubmed: 31802474
·
Folia Morphol 2020;79(4):845-850.

open access

Vol 79, No 4 (2020)
ORIGINAL ARTICLES
Submitted: 2019-11-19
Accepted: 2019-11-21
Published online: 2019-12-03

Abstract

Background: Microscopic structures of the ossification centres of the odontoid process were studied from the micro-computed tomography (CT) images of the axis, and the potential influence of the ossification centres with different microscopic structures on odontoid process fractures was analysed.

Materials and methods:
Eighteen odontoid process specimens were randomly collected and scanned by micro-CT. The obtained images were then input into the software for further observation and measurement. Incomplete absorption of the ossification centres in the base was observed, along with the anatomic structure of the regions with incomplete ossification and structural parameters of the trabecular bones.

Results:
The microscopic structures of the trabecular bones in the ossification centres in the base of the odontoid process could be clearly visualised from the micro-CT images. Among the 18 odontoid process specimens, 11 specimens were found with incomplete absorption of the ossification centres in the axis, the prevalence reaching up to 61%. Regions with incomplete ossification varied in size and morphology, and their three-dimensional morphology was predominantly oval. Of all structural parameters examined for the trabecular bones, there were only significant differences in the degree of anisotropy between the regions with incomplete absorption of ossification centres and the average vertebral trabecular
bones (p < 0.05).

Conclusions:
Incomplete absorption of the ossification centres in the base of the odontoid process is a relatively prevalent condition. The cavitation effect of the trabecular bones may be the primary cause for odontoid process fractures.

Abstract

Background: Microscopic structures of the ossification centres of the odontoid process were studied from the micro-computed tomography (CT) images of the axis, and the potential influence of the ossification centres with different microscopic structures on odontoid process fractures was analysed.

Materials and methods:
Eighteen odontoid process specimens were randomly collected and scanned by micro-CT. The obtained images were then input into the software for further observation and measurement. Incomplete absorption of the ossification centres in the base was observed, along with the anatomic structure of the regions with incomplete ossification and structural parameters of the trabecular bones.

Results:
The microscopic structures of the trabecular bones in the ossification centres in the base of the odontoid process could be clearly visualised from the micro-CT images. Among the 18 odontoid process specimens, 11 specimens were found with incomplete absorption of the ossification centres in the axis, the prevalence reaching up to 61%. Regions with incomplete ossification varied in size and morphology, and their three-dimensional morphology was predominantly oval. Of all structural parameters examined for the trabecular bones, there were only significant differences in the degree of anisotropy between the regions with incomplete absorption of ossification centres and the average vertebral trabecular
bones (p < 0.05).

Conclusions:
Incomplete absorption of the ossification centres in the base of the odontoid process is a relatively prevalent condition. The cavitation effect of the trabecular bones may be the primary cause for odontoid process fractures.

Get Citation

Keywords

odontoid process, ossification centre, micro-computed tomography, cavitation effect

About this article
Title

Features and clinical significance of the ossification centres in the odontoid process based on micro-computed tomography

Journal

Folia Morphologica

Issue

Vol 79, No 4 (2020)

Article type

Original article

Pages

845-850

Published online

2019-12-03

Page views

1053

Article views/downloads

1530

DOI

10.5603/FM.a2019.0130

Pubmed

31802474

Bibliographic record

Folia Morphol 2020;79(4):845-850.

Keywords

odontoid process
ossification centre
micro-computed tomography
cavitation effect

Authors

W. Wang
X. Wang
X. Ren
Z. Li
B. Su
Y. Xu
X. Xu
D. Lv
W. Liu
S. Zhang
L. Chen
X. Li

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