## 3 Results
### Age Distribution  
The age distribution of participants with APAD is detailed in Table 2. The results indicate the following distribution of APAD cases:  
* 17-29 years: two cases (15.4% of APAD cases; 1.7% within this age group)
* 30-39 years: four cases (30.8% of APAD cases; 3.1% within this age group)
* 40-49 years: three cases (23.1% of APAD cases; 2.4% within this age group)
* 50-60 years: four cases (30.8% of APAD cases; 3.1% within this age group)  
Table 2 provides a detailed breakdown of the age distribution among participants with APAD.  
2.1 Case Report 1: Bilateral Complete Ponticulus Posticus and Complete Altantal Posterior Arch Defect Type A in a 17-Year-Old Female: Clinical and Imaging Findings Diagnosis: Bilateral Complete Ponticulus Posticus with Complete APAD Type A. Clinical Presentation: The patient, a 17-year-old female, was referred for a routine orthodontic assessment. Imaging with cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) revealed a bilateral complete Ponticulus Posticus, accompanied by a complete absence of the posterior arch of the atlas (APAD Type A), as in Figure 2.  
\begin{table}
\begin{tabular}{c c c} \hline
**Classification** & **Number of Cases** & **Percentage (\%)** \\ \hline Partial APAD & 12 & 92.3 \\ Complete APAD & 1 & 7.7 \\ APAD with Ponticulus Posticus & 2 & 15.4 \\ \hline \end{tabular}
\end{table}
Table 1: Distribution and classification of APAD.  
\begin{table}
\begin{tabular}{c c c} \hline
**Age Range** & **Number of Cases** & **Percentage (\%)** \\ \hline
17–29 & 2 & 15.4 \\
30–39 & 4 & 30.8 \\
40–49 & 3 & 23.1 \\
50–60 & 4 & 30.8 \\ \hline \end{tabular}
\end{table}
Table 2: Age distribution of participants with APAD.  
Figure 2: Imaging findings and clinical presentation of Case Report 1.  
Symptoms: The patient reported occasional mild neck stiffness and localized discomfort, but no significant neurological symptoms or deficits were noted. The findings were incidental and did not significantly impact her daily activities.  
Management: Given the asymptomatic nature of the condition, the patient was advised to continue regular monitoring. No immediate intervention was required. The patient was educated about the potential for future symptoms and the importance of reporting any changes.  
Outcome: The patient remained symptom-free during the follow-up period, and no interventions were necessary. Routine imaging will continue to monitor for any future developments.  
2.2 Case Report 2: Unilateral Partial Ponticulus Posticus and Partial Attantal Posterior Arch Defect Type A in a 54-Year-Old Female: Clinical Presentation and Imaging Characteristics  
Diagnosis: Unilateral Partial Ponticulus Posticus with Partial APAD Type A.  
Clinical Presentation: A 54-year-old female presented for evaluation due to persistent neck pain and occasional sensory disturbances in the upper limb. CBCT imaging revealed a unilateral partial Ponticulus Posticus on the right side, associated with a partial absence of the posterior arch of the atlas (APAD Type A). The defect was characterized by the incomplete fusion of the posterior arch on the affected side, with a partially preserved posterior tubercle, as in Figure 3.  
Symptoms: The patient experienced mild to moderate neck pain and intermittent tingling sensations in the right upper limb. These symptoms were exacerbated by prolonged periods of neck strain and certain head movements.  
Management: The patient was initially managed with conservative measures, including physical therapy and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain relief. Follow-up imaging was recommended to assess the stability of the defect and any progression of symptoms.  
Outcome: The patient's symptoms improved with conservative treatment, and no significant progression of the defect was observed on follow-up imaging. She continues to be monitored for any potential changes in her condition.  
Figure 3: Imaging findings and clinical presentation of Case Report 2.