'Pseudofacets' or 'supernumerary facets' in congenital atlanto-axial dislocation: boon or bane?

摘要

Certain abnormal contact points, appearing like additional joints (pseudofacets) were observed between atlas and axis in a subset of patients with congenital atlantoaxial dislocation (CAAD). The origin, function and bearing on management of such pseudofacets remain largely undetermined. The object is to study 'pseudofacets'or 'accessory joints' in patients with CAAD and to analyze the possible genesis, role and bearing of these on surgery and fusion rates.