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The lateral atlantooccipital ligament
R Shane Tubbs1, William Stetler, Mohammadali M Shoja
1Department of Cell Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA. rstubbs@uab.edu
Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy : SRA
|March 8, 2007
Summary
The lateral atlantooccipital ligament (LAO) is a consistent anatomical structure that stabilizes the atlantooccipital joint. Its disruption increases instability, particularly during lateral flexion of the craniocervical junction.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Biomechanics
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Atlantooccipital joint stability is crucial.
- The lateral atlantooccipital ligament (LAO) is understudied in modern anatomical texts.
- Understanding LAO morphology is essential for craniocervical junction integrity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the morphology and biomechanical properties of the lateral atlantooccipital ligament (LAO).
- To determine the role of the LAO in atlantooccipital joint stability.
- To highlight the clinical relevance of the LAO in craniocervical junction anatomy.
Main Methods:
- Examination of 20 adult cadaveric specimens.
- Detailed observation of the LAO's anatomical location, origin, and insertion.
- Measurement of LAO dimensions, fiber angles, and tensile strength.
Main Results:
- The LAO was consistently identified bilaterally, posterior to the rectus capitis lateralis muscle.
- Its origin is the atlas's transverse process, inserting onto the occipital bone's jugular process.
- The LAO significantly limits contralateral lateral flexion, with disruption leading to increased range of motion.
Conclusions:
- The lateral atlantooccipital ligament (LAO) is a constant anatomical feature of the craniocervical junction.
- The LAO plays a key role in inhibiting lateral flexion at the atlantooccipital joint.
- LAO disruption contributes to atlantooccipital joint instability, a significant clinical consideration.
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