Atlantoaxial Joint The atlantoaxial joint is ajointin the upper part of the neckbetween the first and secondcervical vertebrae; theatlasand axis. The atlantoaxial joint is of a complicated nature. It consists of no fewer than four distinct joints. There is apivot articulationbetween the odontoid processof the axis and the ring formed by the anterior arch and the transverse ligament of the atlas.
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The atlantoaxial joint in common terminology is actually a composition of three+ two
lateral and one median atlantoaxial joints. (ecause of its proximity to the brain stem
and importance in stabiliation, fracture or injury at this level can be catastrophic.
ommon trauma and pathologies include /but are not limited to0+
The 1ens+ 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+ 2hould 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 traumacan stretch the weaker alar ligaments, causing an increase in range of motion of
approximately $34.
-osterior atlanto5occipital membrane+ genetic traits can sometimes result in