Asian Spine J.  2015 Aug;9(4):636-644. 10.4184/asj.2015.9.4.636.

Craniovertebral Junction Instability: A Review of Facts about Facets

• Goel A

• KMID: 2169340
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4184/asj.2015.9.4.636

Abstract

Craniovertebral junction surgery involves an appropriate philosophical, biomechanical and anatomical understanding apart from high degree of technical skill and ability of controlling venous and arterial bleeding. The author presents his 30-year experience with treating complex craniovertebral junction instability related surgical issues. The facets of atlas and axis form the primary site of movements at the craniovertebral junction. All craniovertebral junction instability is essentially localized to the atlantoaxial facet joint. Direct manipulation and fixation of the facets forms the basis of treatment for instability.

Keyword

Atlantoaxial facet joint; Basilar invagination; Chiari malformation; Syringomyelia

MeSH Terms

Axis, Cervical Vertebra
Hemorrhage
Syringomyelia
Zygapophyseal Joint