Evaluation of an unusual ossicle by multi-detector computed tomography: Oppenheimer's ossicle.

Abstract

Variations and anomalies of the neural arch result from alterations in the ossification process. Absence of lumbar articular process is a rare anomaly which most commonly involves the inferior articular process of the L4 or L5 vertebrae. Non-union at the tip of the articular process is a more common variation, known as Oppenheimer's ossicle. In this case report, we present multi-detector computed tomography findings of Oppenheimer's ossicles in 2 separate cases.