Unusual occipital condyles of the skull: an osteological study with clinical implications.

CONTEXT The occipital condyles of the skull articulate with the superior articular facets of the atlas vertebra and form an important junction between the cranium and the vertebral column. The morphological features of occipital condyles are relevant in biomechanical, anatomical and clinical studies. OBJECTIVE To describe the anatomical profile of unusual occipital condyles detected in a bone specimen. CASE REPORT The present osteological study provides a detailed morphological description of unusual occipital condyles showing uneven and serrated surfaces and also displaying longitudinal and transverse grooves on the left and right sides respectively. The case study also discusses the clinical importance of such anomalies. Precise anatomical knowledge of the occipital condyles is important for any craniovertebral operative procedures such as resection of the occipital condyles.