"A persistent ossiculum terminale, also called Bergmann's ossicle or ossiculum terminale of Bergmann, results from the fusion failure of the ossiculum terminale, which is a secondary ossification centre of the dens that appears between 3-6 years and normally fuses by 12 years. It is important not to misinterpret this anatomical variant as a dens fracture."
Expected headings
"Gross anatomy"
"It lies above the alar ligament and is therefore considered stable; it very rarely causes symptoms."