| Atlanto-axial joint | |
|---|---|
| Anterior atlantoöccipital membrane and atlantoaxial ligament. | |
| Posterior atlantoöccipital membrane and atlantoaxial ligament. | |
| Latin | articulatio atlantoaxialis mediana, articulatio atlantoaxialis lateralis |
| Gray's | subject #73 292 |
| MeSH | Atlanto-Axial+Joint |
The Atlanto-axial joint (articulation of the atlas with the axis) is of a complicated nature. It consists of no fewer than four distinct joints.
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.
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There are two atlanto-axial joints: median and lateral:[1]
The ligaments connecting these bones are:
The atlantoaxial joint in common terminology is actually a composition of three: two lateral and one median atlantoaxial joints. Because of its proximity to the brain stem and importance in stabilization, fracture or injury at this level can be catastrophic. Common trauma and pathologies include (but are not limited to):
The Dens: significant depression on the skull can push the dens into the brainstem, causing death. The dens itself is vulnerable to fracture due to trauma or ossification.
Transverse ligament: Should the transverse ligament of the atlas fail due to trauma or disease, the dens is no longer anchored and can travel up the cervical spine, causing paralysis. If it reaches the medulla death can result. Alar ligaments: stress or trauma can stretch the weaker alar ligaments, causing an increase in range of motion of approximately 30%.
Posterior Atlanto-Occipital Membrane: genetic traits can sometimes result in ossification, turning the groove into an foramen.
Dalley, Arthur F; Moore, Keith L. Clinically Oriented Anatomy Fourth Edition. Baltimore. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 1992. Saladin, Kenneth S. Anatomy &Physiology: the Unity of Form and Function. New York. McGraw Hill, 2007.
The atlantoaxial articular capsules are thin and loose, and connect the margins of the lateral masses of the atlas with those of the posterior articular surfaces of the axis.
Each is strengthened at its posterior and medial part by an accessory ligament, which is attached below to the body of the axis near the base of the odontoid process, and above to the lateral mass of the atlas near the transverse ligament.
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