What is an atlanto-axial joint?
What is an atlanto-axial joint?
The atlantoaxial joint is a type of synovial joint that is classified as a biaxial, pivot joint. This joint resides in the upper part of the neck between the first and second cervical vertebrae, also known as the atlas and axis, respectively.
Where is the atlantoaxial joint located?
cervical spine
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 bones make up the atlanto-axial joint?
The atlanto-axial joint is a joint between the atlas bone and the axis bone, which are the first and second cervical vertebrae. It is a pivot joint. There is a pivot articulation between the odontoid process of the axis and the ring formed by the anterior arch and the transverse ligament of the atlas.
How serious is a C1 fracture?
Complications in the management of C1 fractures range from minor discomfort to death. The primary concern with C1 fractures is establishing and maintaining cervical stability. Atlanto-occipital and atlantoaxial instability threatens the brainstem and spinal cord, potentially causing myelopathy and even mortality.
What is atlantoaxial dislocation?
Atlantoaxial dislocation refers to a loss of stability between the atlas and axis (C1–C2), resulting in loss of normal articulation (Fig. 1). The atlantoaxial joints can lose stable articulation from traumatic, inflammatory, idiopathic, or congenital abnormalities.
What is the joint between the axis and atlas called?
atlanto-axial joint
The atlas and axis form the atlanto-axial joint, which allows head rotation. If you shake your head as if to say “no,” that is head rotation. The atlanto-axial joint is a compound synovial joint.
How long does it take for a C1 and C2 fracture to heal?
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scans are usually performed prior to any treatment to ensure spinal stability and normal vertebral artery flow. Typically, recovery after nonsurgical treatment of C1-C2 takes 8 to 12 weeks.
What type of joint is the atlantoaxial?
The Atlantoaxial joint is composed of three smaller joints: This is a pivot type joint and is formed between the Dens and ring of the C1 bone. Bilateral joints formed by the C1 and C2 bones. A joint is formed when two bones come together.
How is axial rotation achieved atlantoaxial?
This movement is achieved by simultaneous action at all three atlantoaxial joints, the one medial and two lateral, which together produce axial rotation. For left rotation, the right lateral mass of axis translates anteriorly on the articular facet of the axis.
What are the ligaments of 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.