In order to describe the incidence and existing variants of congenital anomalies of the atlas vertebrae in a Caucasian population, we examined 1069 CT scans of the upper cervical spine. We found 41 cases with altered atlas vertebrae, representing 3.8% of all analyzed patients. With 83% of all found anomalies, the predominant type is characterized by a small dorsal cleft (3.2% of all patients). Rare varieties feature unilateral or bilateral dorsal arch defects, combined anterior and posterior clefts (0.2% of all patients) or total erratic atlas vertebra malformation (0.1% of all patients). Atlas arch defects are found nearly 4% at the time. Most anomalies affect the posterior arch, whereas the anterior arch or both are rarely affected. Totally irregular C1 vertebrae are extremely infrequent.

We conclude that an atlantoaxial asymmetry revealed in CT scans of the cervical spine occurs occasionally. Since head tilt correlates with an atlantoaxial asymmetry, it is crucial to perform cervical spine CT scans in a precise straight head position.

We report on a rare case of thumb polydactyly with metacarpophalangeal joint synostosis in a 14-year old otherwise healthy boy. Our case can only be classified in the Rotterdam classification, was treated with resection of the hypoplastic radial component and yielded a very satisfactory outcome with a stable thumb.

BACKGROUND In this single case report study, we describe an anatomical variance of a brachioradialis muscle with two muscle bellies and two tendons with their common insertion on the suprastyloid crest of a distal radius. CASE SUMMARY After a self-mutilating forearm injury of a borderline personality patient, we observed the anatomical variation of brachioradialis tendon. After tendon repair and aftercare the muscle function recovered completely. Five months after surgery the forearm magnetic resonance imaging was done revealing a supernumerary brachioradialis muscle. CONCLUSION Anatomical variations of forearm muscles and tendons are not rare. The treating surgeons should be aware of their existence and anatomical relationships.

Violence is a growing problem worldwide. In Switzerland, interpersonal violence seems to be an increasing problem as well. The aim of the current study was to describe a comprehensive picture of violence in a swiss city with regard to medical and social aspects. A total of 1740 patients injured by violent crimes between April 2004 and January 2011 were enrolled into this study. Most of them were male. There were no relevant changes regarding the number of within the observation period. However, the proportion of affected females increased. Especially at the weekend, there is a need for preventive measures to reduce the high number of affected patients and the associated costs.