A corticated ossicle is a bone fragment that is partially or fully surrounded by a layer of cortical bone, which is the dense outer surface of bone. These ossicles can be found in various parts of the body and are often identified during imaging studies such as X-rays or CT scans.
The term ‘corticated’ refers to the presence of this outer layer, which distinguishes these ossicles from other types of bone fragments that may lack this protective covering. Corticated ossicles can occur as a result of various conditions, including trauma, surgical procedures, or specific skeletal disorders. Understanding the context in which the corticated ossicle appears is important, as it can provide insights into any underlying health issues or previous injuries.