A cadaveric finding of congenitally fused second and third cervical vertebrae

Abstract

The cervical spine is composed of seven vertebrae separated by intervertebral discs that provide mobility to the neck. However, in the presence of anomalies such as congenital cervical fusion, there may be decreased mobility, nerve root compression leading to pain and functional deficits, and even premature degenerative change due to biochemical stress in adjoining segments of the vertebral column. This case report presents a cadaveric finding of congenital fusion of the second and third cervical vertebrae. The fusion involved complete fusion of the spine, laminae, inferior articular facet of C2 to superior articular facet of C3, and the vertebral bodies, with partial fusion between the vertebral arches and none between the transverse processes. The complete fusion into a unitary block and the equivalent height of the fused vertebral bodies with the height of the two vertebrae and the intervertebral disc suggests a congenital fusion. No other anomalies were present in the cadaveric specimen.  Congenital fusion of C2-C3 is a clinically significant form of cervical fusion, with implications for clinicians, orthopedics, radiologists and neurosurgeons, when performing procedures such as endotracheal intubation, cisternal puncture, and cervical surgeries. Accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential to prevent further complications and improve patient outcomes.