Abstract
Assimilation of the atlas is an osseous abnormality which occurs at the base of the skull in the region of the foramen magnum. It is demonstrated by the union of the atlas with the occipital bone. This may be a partial or complete union. Assimilation of the atlas is the most common anomaly found at the cranio-cervical junction. Other terms describing this abnormality are atlanto-occipital fusion and/or occipitalization of the atlas. Of importance, is not that the diagnostician be aware of the varied terms given to this osseous anomaly - but that such anomaly may exist without any typical symptom presentation, and thus, serious consequences of upper cervical spinal manipulative therapy may arise without a complete and adequate clinical assessment.
Keywords: osseous anomaly, cervical-cranial junction, assimilation of the atlas, atlanto-occipital fusion, manipulation, chiropractic
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