Occipitalisation de l'atlas. Diagnostic radiologique et implication clinique

Occipitalization of the atlas is not usually well-known by maxillofacial surgeons. It may be diagnosed with a lateral teleradiography. Its diagnosis imposes screening for other spinal malformations (spinal fusion, hemivertebra, spina bifida occulta). The major risk is compression and distortion of the spinal chord and vertebro-basilar vascular system, during surgery or anesthesia.