Use of Enrofloxacin and Hydrotherapy in the Management of Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva (FOP) in a Savannah Cat.

FOP is a rare genetic condition, described mainly in man and cats, characterized by progressive, painful debilitation and shortened lifespan. A 10-month-old neutered male Savannah cat was referred for progressive gait abnormalities and multifocal firm masses within the soft-tissues that were unresponsive to previous treatment. Diagnosis of FOP was based on histopathological evaluation of intralesional biopsies, which revealed osteo-cartilaginous metaplasia and fibrocellular proliferation with intralesional chondrogenesis and endochondral ossification. The cat was managed with 5 mg/kg BID enrofloxacin and hydrotherapy for 3 years until acute death. During that three-year period, the cat displayed consistent improvement in endurance, quality of life, and range of motion. Postmortem histopathology further confirmed the diagnosis of FOP via identification of intramuscular and intra-fascial ossification with lymphoplasmacytic infiltration, degeneration, and regeneration of adjacent myocytes. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of long-term enrofloxacin treatment and hydrotherapy for the management of FOP in a cat, leading to improved mobility and survival time, and the first report of FOP in an exotic breed cat.

Saracatinib is an efficacious clinical candidate for fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva.

Currently, no effective therapies exist for fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP), a rare congenital syndrome in which heterotopic bone is formed in soft tissues owing to dysregulated activity of the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) receptor kinase ALK2 (also known as ACVR1). From a screen of known biologically active compounds, we identified saracatinib as a potent ALK2 kinase inhibitor. In enzymatic and cell-based assays, saracatinib preferentially inhibited ALK2, compared with other receptors of the BMP/TGF-ß signaling pathway, and induced dorsalization in zebrafish embryos consistent with BMP antagonism. We further tested the efficacy of saracatinib using an inducible ACVR1Q207D-transgenic mouse line, which provides a model of heterotopic ossification (HO), as well as an inducible ACVR1R206H-knockin mouse, which serves as a genetically and physiologically faithful FOP model. In both models, saracatinib was well tolerated and potently inhibited the development of HO, even when administered transiently following soft tissue injury. Together, these data suggest that saracatinib is an efficacious clinical candidate for repositioning in FOP treatment, offering an accelerated path to clinical proof-of-efficacy studies and potentially significant benefits to individuals with this devastating condition.

A patient with conventional and follicular variant papillary thyroid microcarcinoma and Eagle's syndrome, Langlais type III, with hyoid bone variation.

AIM: Presenting an extraordinary case of Eagle's syndrome (ES) with the classical and follicular variant of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTmC) and an uncommon stylohyoid ligament calsification, aside from O'Carroll's System. CASE REPORT: A 52-year-old Turkish man with an histopathology of the follicular variant of PTmC (FVPTmC) of his right lobe and conventional PTmC of his left lobe of the thyroid with an adjuvant 100 mCi radioactive iodine (RAI) ablation was admitted. On the routine follow-up of the present case, a lineer structure at the 3rd compartment of neck in his ultrasonography, a styloid ligament calsification in his noncontrast computed tomography (CT), and a left styloid process of the temporal bone of 29 mm in size in his three-dimensional (3D) CT scanning had been revealed. Conclusively, an ES, Langlais Type III with The Calcification Pattern IV, was recognized. DISCUSSION: A noninvasive peroral medical management was administered as a first-line treatment for the neuropathic sequelae of ES and it has provided relief of signs and symptoms without any recurrence to date, for three years and three months. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, it is an highly extreme and first case of ES in the English literature, recognized in the course of his programmed follow-up of his conventional PTmC and FVPTmC, simultaneously possessing an exceptional stylohyoid ligament calsification, apart from O'Carroll's System, even with an anatomic variation of the hyoid bone. KEY WORDS: Eagle's Syndrome Follicular variant of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma, Hyoid bone variation, Langlais classification, O'Carroll's System, Radioactive iodine, Papillary thyroid microcarcinoma.

[Neurogenic paraosteopathy of the elbow: results of surgical arthrolysis (a retrospective study of 37 cases)]. / La para-ostéopathie neurogène du coude: résultat de l'arthrolyse chirurgicale (étude rétrospective de 37 cas).

Neurogenic paraosteoarthropathies are ectopic ossifications which develop near the joints. They are a process of neo-ectopic osteogenesis occurring after central or peripheral neurological lesions, in some types of comas (oxygen carbon intoxication, prolonged sedation) and following peripheral traumas including burns. They inolve almost exclusively the large proximal joints of the limbs. Elbow is the second area of involvment. The purpose of our study was to analyze the results of surgical arthrolysis in 37 patients with elbow stiffness due to neurogenic osteoarthropathy of the elbow. We conducted a retrospective study of 35 patients and 37 elbows over a 25-year period. Preoperative assessment included clinical and radiological examination. Since 2003 the patients had undergone systematic elbow arthroscopy. The gold standard surgical treatment was arthrolysis. All patients underwent functional rehabilitation protocol. Outcomes were analyzed after a mean 5-year follow-up period (6 months - 10 years). Neurogenic paraosteoarthropathy was caused by head injury with coma in 58.8% of cases. Preoperative assessment showed bending stiffness in the majority of cases (88%), severe or very severe in 64.7% of cases. Intraoperatively functional elbow range of motion from -30° to 130° was obtained in 61.7% of cases and in 41% of cases in the long term. Ulnar nerve liberation was satisfactory in 92% of cases. No postoperative instability of the elbow was reported. Two patients with definitive neurological lesions had osteoma recurrence. The results were equivalent regardless surgical delay. Surgical arthrolysis is an effective treatment for neurogenic osteomas of the elbow.

Delivery vehicle effects on bone regeneration and heterotopic ossification induced by high dose BMP-2.

Bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2), delivered on absorbable collagen sponge, is frequently used to treat bone defects. However, supraphysiological BMP-2 doses are common and often associated with complications such as heterotopic ossification and inflammation, causing pain and impaired mobility. This has prompted investigations into strategies to spatially control bone regeneration, for example growth factor delivery in appropriate scaffolds. Our objective was to investigate the spatiotemporal effects of high dose BMP-2 on bone regeneration as a function of the delivery vehicle. We hypothesized that an alginate delivery system would spatially restrict bone formation compared to a collagen sponge delivery system. In vitro, BMP-2 release was accelerated from collagen sponge compared to alginate constructs. In vivo, bone regeneration was evaluated over 12weeks in critically sized rat femoral segmental defects treated with 30µg rhBMP-2 in alginate hydrogel or collagen sponge, surrounded by perforated nanofiber meshes. Total bone volume, calculated from micro-CT reconstructions, was higher in the alginate group at 12weeks. Though bone volume within the central defect region was greater in the alginate group at 8 and 12weeks, heterotopic bone volume was similar between groups. Likewise, mechanical properties from ex vivo torsional testing were comparable between groups. Histology corroborated these findings and revealed heterotopic mineralization at 2weeks post-surgery in both groups. Overall, this study recapitulated the heterotopic ossification associated with high dose BMP-2 delivery, and demonstrated that the amount and spatial pattern of bone formation was dependent on the delivery matrix. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Alginate hydrogel-based BMP-2 delivery has induced better spatiotemporal bone regeneration in animals, compared to clinically used collagen sponge, at lower BMP-2 doses. Lack of clear dose-response relationships for BMP-2 vis-à-vis bone regeneration has contributed to the use of higher doses clinically. We investigated the potential of the alginate system, with comparatively favorable BMP-2 release-kinetics, to reduce heterotopic ossification and promote bone regeneration, when used with a high BMP-2 dose. While defect mineralization improved with alginate hydrogel, the initial high-release phase and likely early tissue exposure to BMP-2 appeared sufficient to induce heterotopic ossification. The characterization presented here should provide the framework for future evaluations of strategies to optimize bone formation and minimize adverse effects of high dose BMP-2 therapy.

Osteoma cutis, a propósito de un caso / Osteoma cutis, about a case

El osteoma cutis (OC) es una lesión compuesta de tejido óseo en dermis y/o hipodermis. Se clasifican en primarios, cuando se desarrollan en piel sana, y secundarios, cuando aparecen sobre lesiones preexistentes. Mujer de 61 años con antecedente de linfoma de Hodgkin en remisión, presentó una lesión de larga data, desarrollada en piel sana, en primer dedo de la mano izquierda, que cursaba con brotes recurrentes y autolimitados de dolor y aumento de temperatura local. La exploración física mostró un nódulo pétreo, con úlcera de fondo calcáreo. El estudio histopatológico de la biopsia escisional reveló tejido óseo, sin otras lesiones cutáneas asociadas. El estudio complementario, incluyendo hemograma, función renal y hepática, calcio y fósforo séricos, PTH, TSH, vitamina D y calciuria fue normal. Descartándose alteraciones en el metabolismo calcio-fosforo y otras lesiones cutáneas preexistentes, se realizó el diagnostico de OC primario en forma de placa. El OC es una lesión benigna, pudiendo ser primario o secundario. Los secundarios representan cerca del 85% y se originan por la osificación de lesiones preexistentes tumorales o inflamatorias. Los OC primarios se presentan aislados o formando parte de síndromes como la fibrodisplasia osificante progresiva, la osteodistrofia hereditaria de Albright y la heteroplasia osificante progresiva. A pesar de la asociación a mutaciones en GNAS de OC y estos síndromes, el diagnóstico de ambos es fundamentalmente clínico. Los OC primarios sin síndrome asociado, se dividen en osteomas miliares de la cara y osteomas en forma de placa (plate-like OC), como este caso. Ante un OC primario, debemos descartar síndromes asociados a osificaciones heterotópicas.

Osteoma cutis (OC) is a lesion composed of bone tissue located in the dermis and/or hypodermis. It is classified as primary when it develops over healthy skin; and secondary when it develops over preexisting lesions. A 61-year-old woman with history of Hodgkin lymphoma in remission, presents a longstanding lesion located on the first finger of her left hand which developed over healthy skin, associated with recurrent and self-limited episodes of pain and increased local temperature. Physical examination reveals a stone-hard nodule, with a calcareous-bottomed ulcer. The histopathological evaluation of the excisional biopsy revealed bone tissue. Complementary studies included: complete blood count, renal and hepatic function, plasma calcium and phosphorus, PTH, TSH, vitamin D, and urinary calcium, all of them in normal ranges. Once systemic disease was ruled out, platelike OC was diagnosed. OC is a benign lesion which can be primary or secondary. Secondary OC represent nearly 85% of cases, and it corresponds to an ossification of preexisting tumoral or inflammatory lesions. Primary OC is less frequent, it appears isolated or as part of syndromes like fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva, Albright hereditary osteodystrophy, and progressive osseous heteroplasia. GNAS mutations have been described in primary OC as in these syndromes, but the final diagnosis relies on the clinical picture. Isolated primary OC is classified in milliary osteomas of the face and plate-like OC, like our case. When facing primary OC, syndromes that present with heterotopic ossification must be ruled out.

Influence of transcutaneous electrical stimulation on heterotopic ossification: an experimental study in Wistar rats

Heterotopic ossification (HO) is a metaplastic biological process in which there is newly formed bone in soft tissues, resulting in joint mobility deficit and pain. Different treatment modalities have been tried to prevent HO development, but there is no consensus on a therapeutic approach. Since electrical stimulation is a widely used resource in physiotherapy practice to stimulate joint mobility, with analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, its usefulness for HO treatment was investigated. We aimed to identify the influence of electrical stimulation on induced HO in Wistar rats. Thirty-six male rats (350-390 g) were used, and all animals were anesthetized for blood sampling before HO induction, to quantify the serum alkaline phosphatase. HO induction was performed by bone marrow implantation in both quadriceps of the animals, which were then divided into 3 groups: control (CG), transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) group (TG), and functional electrical stimulation (FES) group (FG) with 12 rats each. All animals were anesthetized and electrically stimulated twice per week, for 35 days from induction day. After this period, another blood sample was collected and quadriceps muscles were bilaterally removed for histological and calcium analysis and the rats were killed. Calcium levels in muscles showed significantly lower results when comparing TG and FG (P<0.001) and between TG and CG (P<0.001). Qualitative histological analyses confirmed 100% HO in FG and CG, while in TG the HO was detected in 54.5% of the animals. The effects of the muscle contractions caused by FES increased HO, while anti-inflammatory effects of TENS reduced HO.

Influence of transcutaneous electrical stimulation on heterotopic ossification: an experimental study in Wistar rats.

Heterotopic ossification (HO) is a metaplastic biological process in which there is newly formed bone in soft tissues, resulting in joint mobility deficit and pain. Different treatment modalities have been tried to prevent HO development, but there is no consensus on a therapeutic approach. Since electrical stimulation is a widely used resource in physiotherapy practice to stimulate joint mobility, with analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, its usefulness for HO treatment was investigated. We aimed to identify the influence of electrical stimulation on induced HO in Wistar rats. Thirty-six male rats (350-390 g) were used, and all animals were anesthetized for blood sampling before HO induction, to quantify the serum alkaline phosphatase. HO induction was performed by bone marrow implantation in both quadriceps of the animals, which were then divided into 3 groups: control (CG), transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) group (TG), and functional electrical stimulation (FES) group (FG) with 12 rats each. All animals were anesthetized and electrically stimulated twice per week, for 35 days from induction day. After this period, another blood sample was collected and quadriceps muscles were bilaterally removed for histological and calcium analysis and the rats were killed. Calcium levels in muscles showed significantly lower results when comparing TG and FG (P<0.001) and between TG and CG (P<0.001). Qualitative histological analyses confirmed 100% HO in FG and CG, while in TG the HO was detected in 54.5% of the animals. The effects of the muscle contractions caused by FES increased HO, while anti-inflammatory effects of TENS reduced HO.

Isolated Horner Syndrome From an Elongated Styloid Process (Eagle Syndrome).

Eagle syndrome occurs when an elongated styloid process causes otolaryngological or neurological symptoms or signs. We report a patient who had an isolated asymptomatic Horner syndrome that resulted from a pinned internal carotid artery being dynamically injured by an elongated styloid process during chiropractic neck manipulation. There was no evidence of arterial dissection.

Clinically applicable antianginal agents suppress osteoblastic transformation of myogenic cells and heterotopic ossifications in mice.

Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder characterized by progressive heterotopic ossification. FOP is caused by a gain-of-function mutation in ACVR1 encoding the bone morphogenetic protein type II receptor, ACVR1/ALK2. The mutant receptor causes upregulation of a transcriptional factor, Id1. No therapy is available to prevent the progressive heterotopic ossification in FOP. In an effort to search for clinically applicable drugs for FOP, we screened 1,040 FDA-approved drugs for suppression of the Id1 promoter activated by the mutant ACVR1/ALK2 in C2C12 cells. We found that that two antianginal agents, fendiline hydrochloride and perhexiline maleate, suppressed the Id1 promoter in a dose-dependent manner. The drugs also suppressed the expression of native Id1 mRNA and alkaline phosphatase in a dose-dependent manner. Perhexiline but not fendiline downregulated phosphorylation of Smad 1/5/8 driven by bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2. We implanted crude BMPs in muscles of ddY mice and fed them fendiline or perhexiline for 30 days. Mice taking perhexiline showed a 38.0 % reduction in the volume of heterotopic ossification compared to controls, whereas mice taking fendiline showed a slight reduction of heterotopic ossification. Fendiline, perhexiline, and their possible derivatives are potentially applicable to clinical practice to prevent devastating heterotopic ossification in FOP.

Acquired plate-like osteoma cutis.

Plate-like osteoma cutis is a rare disorder that has been historically classified as a congenital syndrome. It has a possible relationship to a mutation in the gene (GNAS1) that encodes the α-subunit of the stimulatory G protein, which regulates adenyl cyclase activity. We report a case of extensive plaque-like masses on the scalp and face with no abnormalities in calcium or phosphate metabolism and no preceding inflammatory cutaneous conditions. With less than ten reported cases, to our knowledge, this is one the few cases of acquired plate-like osteoma cutis described in the literature.

Spinal-cord compression related to pseudohypoparathyroidism.

We report a 24-year-old male with pseudohypoparathyroidism and a 6-month history of sensory disturbance in both legs which was associated with difficulty in walking. His physical signs included a short stature, a thick neck, short fourth metacarpals and metatarsals, a spastic paraparesis and sphincteric disturbance. His serum electrolytes included low serum calcium and high serum phosphorus levels. CT reconstruction showed compression of the spinal cord in association with ossified ligamentum flavum at the C2-7 and T9-10 levels. These findings were confirmed by MRI scans.

Changes in basic metabolic elements associated with the degeneration and ossification of ligamenta flava.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the association between levels of basic metabolic elements and degeneration and ossification of the ligamentum flavum (LF). SUBJECTS: Fourteen consecutive patients with degenerative lumbar stenosis, 11 with ossification of the thoracic ligamenta flava, and 11 control subjects. METHODS: The basic elements of calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), and fluoride (F) in the specimens were measured using atomic absorption spectrometry, the phosphomolybdic blue method, and a fluoride-selected electrode. RESULTS: Ca content and the ratio of Ca/Mg in the LF specimens increased significantly in the sequence of control, degeneration, and ossification groups. Compared with values for the control group, the Zn, Mn, and Mo contents in the ossification and degeneration groups were significantly lower (P < 0.01); in contrast, Cu content was significantly higher (P < 0.01). As to F, its content in the specimens of the ossification group was much higher than those in the degeneration and control groups (P < 0.01); the F content in the ligamenta flava and sera from patients with fluorosis was also significantly higher than in those from patients without fluorosis (P < 0.01). Compared with the control group, there were no differences in the F content in serum from patients without fluorosis; however, the F content in ligamenta flava specimens from patients without fluorosis was significantly higher (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: There are trends in the contents of basic metabolic elements in the degeneration and ossification of ligamenta flava. These basic metabolic elements may play an important role in this process.

Persistent synchondrosis of a primary sacral ossification center in an adult with low back pain.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Persistence of a primary sacral ossification center resulting in synchondrosis in adulthood is rare and can confound diagnostic decision making during patient management. PURPOSE: To present a synchondrosis between the sacral ala and sacral body in a healthy 23-year-old US Marine who had low back pain. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: Case report. OUTCOME MEASURES: Self-report measures included a numerical pain scale and Roland Morris Disability questionnaire; physiological measures included plain film radiography, computed tomography scans, magnetic resonance imaging, and physical examination procedures; and functional measures included the patient's ability to run and sit without pain and to maintain US Marine Corps fitness standards. METHODS: The initial management of his low back pain included a course of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication, chiropractic manipulation of the sacroiliac joints and adjacent tissues, and therapeutic exercise. When the patient's condition did not improve as quickly as anticipated, plain X-ray films were ordered; this revealed a vertical cleft in the sacrum at the site of the patient's pain. Further imaging showed the anomalous cleft to be a synchondrosis between the costal element and the centrum of the sacrum. Manual manipulation, physical training, and ergonomic advice were continued. RESULTS: Pain severity decreased from 7 to 0, and the Roland Morris score decreased from 14 to 1. He could sit for prolonged periods of time and exercise to Marine Corps standards. CONCLUSIONS: It is unlikely that the synchondrosis was the structure responsible for generating the patient's low back pain. However, such an anomaly is clinically relevant because it may mimic a fracture.

Heterotopic ossification: review of histologic findings and tissue distribution in a 10-year experience.

Heterotopic ossification (HO) within tissues involved by a pathologic process is a well-recognized phenomenon. It is most frequently observed in atherosclerotic plaques, in soft tissue around joints, and in the central nervous system. Less frequently, carcinomas and some benign neoplasms will undergo heterotopic ossification. We performed a retrospective review of our experience with HO over a 10-year period to determine the frequency and tissue site distribution of heterotopic ossification. A computerized review of surgical pathology records of approximately 126,000 reports revealed 85 cases in which heterotopic ossification, ectopic bone or metaplastic bone was specifically mentioned in the surgical pathology diagnosis. Twenty-two cases were neoplasms of non-osseous tissues, and 63 cases were non-neoplastic lesions. Immunohistochemical staining for bone morphogenic proteins (BMP) 1, 4, and 6 was performed. Fourteen cases showed staining for BMP-1, 22 cases showed staining for BMP-4, and five cases showed weak staining for BMP-6. HO is a relatively infrequent finding and is more commonly seen in degenerative and reparative conditions than in neoplasms.

Thalamomesencephalic ossified cavernoma presenting with Holmes' tremor.

BACKGROUND: Midbrain cavernoma associated with Holmes' tremor is a rare entity. Although there have been 4 other cases of Holmes' tremor caused by a cavernoma, this is the first case that was cured by surgical removal of the cavernoma. In addition, heavy ossification and Holmes tremor as a clinical presentation are 2 unusual features of the cavernoma. Possible mechanisms of these very rare entities are discussed in relation to the present report and relevant literature is reviewed. CASE DESCRIPTION: We present a case of 60-year-old woman with heavily ossified cavernoma of the thalamomesencephalic junction with neuroimaging and histologic features. The only manifestation was Holmes' tremor. The patient was operated on via posterior interhemispheric approach while in the sitting position. After the arachnoid folds of the quadrigeminal cistern were opened, the thin neural tissue on the surface of the dorsal midbrain was incised and the lesion was visualized and totally removed as a single piece. The tremor was almost completely suppressed. CONCLUSION: Ossified cavernoma is a rare entity but has a characteristic MRI appearance. It should be considered in the differential diagnosis of intracerebral hypointense lesions on both T1- and T2-weighted MR images because they are potentially curable by surgical removal.

Calcium sulfate and platelet-rich plasma make a novel osteoinductive biomaterial for bone regeneration.

BACKGROUND: With the present study we introduce a novel and simple biomaterial able to induce regeneration of bone. We theorized that nourishing a bone defect with calcium and with a large amount of activated platelets may initiate a series of biological processes that culminate in bone regeneration. Thus, we engineered CS-Platelet, a biomaterial based on the combination of Calcium Sulfate and Platelet-Rich Plasma in which Calcium Sulfate also acts as an activator of the platelets, therefore avoiding the need to activate the platelets with an agonist. METHODS: First, we tested CS-Platelet in heterotopic (muscle) and orthotopic (bone) bone regeneration bioassays. We then utilized CS-Platelet in a variety of dental and craniofacial clinical cases, where regeneration of bone was needed. RESULTS: The heterotopic bioassay showed formation of bone within the muscular tissue at the site of the implantation of CS-Platelet. Results of a quantitative orthotopic bioassay based on the rat calvaria critical size defect showed that only CS-Platelet and recombinant human BMP2 were able to induce a significant regeneration of bone. A non-human primate orthotopic bioassay also showed that CS-Platelet is completely resorbable. In all human clinical cases where CS-Platelet was used, a complete bone repair was achieved. CONCLUSION: This study showed that CS-Platelet is a novel biomaterial able to induce formation of bone in heterotopic and orthotopic sites, in orthotopic critical size bone defects, and in various clinical situations. The discovery of CS-Platelet may represent a cost-effective breakthrough in bone regenerative therapy and an alternative or an adjuvant to the current treatments.

A case of abnormal findings in the course of the vertebral artery associated with an ossified hyoid apparatus. A contraindication for manipulation of the cervical spine?

OBJECTIVE: To describe a case of a simultaneous occurrence of an ossified stylohyoid ligament in a 56-year-old male cadaver and anomalies of the vertebral artery, and to consider the clinical implications for manipulative therapists. INTERVENTION AND OUTCOME: Dissection showed a simultaneous occurrence of complete developmental ossification of the left hyoid apparatus, variants of the vertebral artery, and a left superior vena cava in a 56-year-old male cadaver. DISCUSSION: Developmental variants, posttraumatic and degenerative changes of the hyoid apparatus may result in variable degrees of ossification or calcification. CONCLUSION: This unusual disorder should be considered in the differential diagnosis of facial and neck pain especially within the scope of manipulation of the upper cervical spine. Cervical spine manipulation may exacerbate existing pathological conditions of the stylohyoid apparatus, thereby irritating neurovascular structures, and induce a fracture. Developmental ossification of this apparatus might be associated with anomalies in the atlantic section of the vertebral artery which make the patient more susceptible to vertebrobasilar insufficiency. We conclude that extreme care should be taken in the presence of such an ossification to avoid trauma to the stylohyoid apparatus and maybe even because of increased vertebrobasilar risk.