Epitransverse process: a rare outgrowth from atlas vertebra

Acute injuries of the upper cervical spine as a cause of severe disability and death following trauma has at all times been an interesting phase of anatomical study [1]. The cranio-vertebral region has been considered an unstable, ontogenetically restless zone and thus susceptible to many variants, anomalies and malformations [2]. A number of authors have called attention to changes in the upper cervical spine as a common cause for headaches, neck pains and movements at the atlanto-occipital joint. The present case presents a rare outgrowth from the transverse process of atlas vertebra and discusses it’s the clinical significance to the surgeons and radiologists.