Patient Data
Note: This case has been tagged as "legacy" as it no longer meets image preparation and/or other case publication guidelines.
Fusion of the anterior and posterior elements of C3/ C4 vertebrae with loss of intervening disc space. Loss of cervical lordosis.
Case Discussion
Block vertebra is a congenital failure of segmentation of somites. May be partial or complete involving anterior and/or posterior elements. May demonstrate a decreased anteroposterior vertebral body diameter. Usually asymptomatic. Secondary to the fusion, these vertebrae are not amenable to degenerative changes, however the additional stress is transferred on to the distal joint. They may be accompanied by neural foraminal narrowing or enlargement.