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The accessory atlantoaxial ligament.
R Shane Tubbs1, E George Salter, W Jerry Oakes
1Department of Cell Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama 35233, USA. rstubbs@uab.edu
Neurosurgery
|July 24, 2004
Summary
The accessory atlantoaxial ligament stabilizes the upper cervical spine and cranium. This ligament connects the atlas, axis, and occipital bone, aiding in head movement and stability.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Biomechanics
- Orthopedics
Background:
- The upper cervical spine's stability is crucial for neurological function.
- Ligamentous structures in this region are vital for maintaining stability.
- The accessory atlantoaxial ligament's anatomy and function remain underexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the anatomy of the accessory atlantoaxial ligament.
- To determine the functional role of this ligament in craniocervical stability.
Main Methods:
- Examination of ten human cadaveric specimens.
- Observation of the accessory atlantoaxial ligament's attachments and dimensions.
- Assessment of ligamentous tension during simulated head movements.
Main Results:
- The accessory atlantoaxial ligament was present in all specimens.
- The ligament connected the atlas, axis, and occipital bone.
- Maximal tautness occurred during 5-10 degrees of cervical flexion and 5-8 degrees of head rotation.
Conclusions:
- The accessory atlantoaxial ligament contributes to craniocervical stability.
- Renaming the ligament to accessory alar or accessory atlantoaxialoccipital ligament may better reflect its anatomy.
- Advanced imaging may enable in vivo assessment of this ligament's integrity post-trauma.