Brachyolmia: a report of two cases.

Abstract

Brachyolmia is a rare form of skeletal dysplasia characterized by generalized platyspondyly without significant epiphyseal, metaphyseal, or diaphyseal changes in the long bones. Two cases of brachyolmia are reported: one of the Hobaek type, and another of the dominant type. One patient developed linear densities in the femoral necks: The manifestation is thought to be specific to the Hobaek type. Another patient had atlantoaxial instability and failure of ossification of the dens. These complications of brachyolmia have not been previously reported.