Anomalies of development and dysplasia of the upper cervical spine (clinic, diagnosis and treatment)

Abstract

As you know, the craniovertebral region - the place where the spine passes into the skull - includes the two upper cervical vertebrae (atlas and axis) and the basal part of the occipital bone. Between these bone formations, two joints (head joints) are formed. The lower joint of the head (atlantoaxial) provides rotational movements, while the upper joint (atlantooccipital) provides mainly flexion-extension [5]. Both joints are characterized by significant anatomical variations, congenital anatomical disorders are not uncommon, as well as injuries and osteoarticular diseases [3, 10].