Background
Familiarity with normal spinal anatomy and its variations are essential in differentiating congenital anomalies from pathology to prevent erroneous diagnoses and inappropriate treatments. This educational exhibit reviews common to rare spinal congenital variants on cross sectional imaging.
Educational Goals / Teaching Points
Educational aims are to review imaging features of common spinal congenital variations organized by anatomic location. Additionally, common interpretation pitfalls will be highlighted to emphasize the clinical significance of correct diagnosis of congenital variants.
Key Anatomic/Physiologic Issues and Imaging Findings/Techniques
This educational exhibit will feature examples of spinal congenital variants that are commonly encountered. Variations include those of the vertebral body, neural arch, spinal process, accessory ossicles, and the spinal cord. For each congenital variant, a description, imaging characteristics on cross-sectional imaging, and clinically significant points will be discussed.
Conclusion
Understanding of spinal congenital variants is essential in correctly identifying and interpreting imaging findings to exclude pathologies that could have otherwise led to inappropriate treatments.
