J Korean Soc Spine Surg.  2006 Sep;13(3):219-223.

Congenital Absence of Thoracic Spine Pedicle: Case Report

• Park KW
• Kim BH
• Lee JH
• Song KS
• Lee CK
• Chang BS

Abstract

Congenital absence of a thoracic pedicle is a rare clinical entity, and this can be misdiagnosed as an acquired absence of the pedicle that is the result of trauma, tumor, or infection. Initial evaluations with conventional radiography frequently lead to misinterpretation and to misguided intervention. Computed tomography can be the most helpful modality to confirm the diagnosis. The congenital absence of pedicles, in contrast to the acquired absence of pedicles, can be managed successfully by conservative treatment or even without treatment. We report a case of an absent thoracic pedicle and we describe the presentation, diagnosis, and treatment together with a review of the literature.

Keyword

Congenital absence of thoracic pedicle; Computed tomography

MeSH Terms

Diagnosis
Radiography
Spine*