What does the atlantoaxial ligament do?
Rotation movement is limited mainly by the alar ligaments. The atlantoaxial joint also allows limited flexion, extension and lateral flexion. Flexion and extension are produced by a small degree of roll and slide of the anterior arch of atlas on the dens of axis.
Which ligaments are important in stabilizing the Occipito atlanto axial complex?
The ligaments connecting these bones are:
- Articular capsules.
- Anterior atlantoaxial ligament.
- Posterior atlantoaxial ligament.
- Transverse ligament of the atlas.
What movement does the atlantoaxial joint allow?
The C1 C2 spinal motion segment, also called the atlantoaxial joint, is located in the upper portion of the cervical spine. It consists of the C1 and C2 vertebrae, and the anatomical structures connecting them. This segment provides rotational motion, supports the head, and protects the spinal cord and nerve pathways.
What happens when the transverse ligament is ruptured?
A transverse ligament tear increases the flexion angle of the head and the vertebrae as well as the atlas–dens interval. Supporting the head after an injury should be considered to avoid compression of the spinal cord and permanent neurologic damage.
Which joint is between atlas and axis?
pivot
The axis is the second cervical vertebra; it has what is called the odontoid process about which the atlas rotates. The joint between the atlas and axis is a pivot type of joint. It allows the head turn from side to side. It is also called the atloaxoid joint.
How is atlantoaxial instability diagnosed?
Neutral and dynamic cervical radiographs are often used to diagnose atlantoaxial instability and dislocation, but the diagnostic sensitivity is low.
What does the transverse ligament limit?
The transverse ligament prevents the odontoid process from being displaced backwards.
What is transverse ligament?
Anatomical terminology. In anatomy, the transverse ligament of the atlas is a ligament which arches across the ring of the atlas (the topmost cervical vertebra, which directly supports the skull), and keeps the odontoid process in contact with the atlas.
What is the odontoid process?
The odontoid process (also dens or odontoid peg) is a protuberance (process or projection) of the Axis (second cervical vertebra). It exhibits a slight constriction or neck, where it joins the main body of the vertebra.
Why is it called odontoid process?
The dens itself is often referred to as the odontoid process or odontoid peg. Jenkins refers to the shaft of the dens as the part that attaches inferiorly to the centrum of the C2 vertebra at the odontocentral synchondrosis [15].
Where is the anterior atlantoaxial ligament located on the Atlas?
Anterior atlantoaxial ligament. The anterior atlantoaxial ligament is a strong membrane, fixed, above, to the lower border of the anterior arch of the atlas; below, to the front of the body of the axis . It is strengthened in the middle line by a rounded cord, which connects the tubercle on the anterior arch of the atlas to the body of the axis,…
Are there any ligaments in the median atlantoaxial joint?
There are several ligaments securing the median atlantoaxial joint. The main ligaments of the joint connect the atlas to the axis, these ligaments are collectively known as the cruciform ligament complex. The cruciform ligament is a complex of three ligaments, one horizontal and two longitudinal, that together resemble a cross, hence the name.
What kind of flexion does the atlanto-axial articulation allow?
The atlanto-axial articulation is a complex of three synovial joints, which join the atlas (C1) to the axis (C2). The atlanto-axial joint allows 10-15 o of flexion/extension, 30 o of axial rotation and only minimal lateral flexion.
What is the role of the accessory atlantoaxial ligament?
The accessory atlantoaxial ligament is thought to play a role in rotational stability at the craniocervical junction, but its exact significance is uncertain. Note that some authors do not mention this as an independent ligament, and instead consider these fibers to be part of the tectorial membrane.
