Anatomy and Nontraumatic Pathologies of the Craniocervical Junction: A Comprehensive Review

Neuroimaging is crucial for evaluating the craniocervical junction (CCJ), where pathologies are categorized into traumatic and nontraumatic. While traumatic conditions are more prevalent, nontraumatic abnormalities, though less common, carry significant morbidity and mortality and present a diagnostic challenge due to their diverse differential diagnoses. Nontraumatic CCJ abnormalities often necessitate careful diagnosis and management. Imaging plays a key role in identifying and characterizing these conditions, aiding clinical decisions. Nontraumatic CCJ abnormalities include various conditions, such as congenital anomalies, tumors, inflammatory conditions, degenerative changes, and infections. This review highlights the imaging features of common nontraumatic CCJ abnormalities, emphasizing key imaging characteristics for differentiation.