European Journal of Anatomy

Official Journal of The Spanish Society of Anatomy
Cover Volume 14 - Number 3
Eur J Anat, 14 (3): 127-132 (2010)

Maximal rotation at atlanto-axial joint: analysis of changes in mid-sagittal space within atlas vertebra

Niladri Kumar Mahato

Department of Anatomy, SRM Medical College, Kattankulathur, Kanchipuram District, Tamil Nadu, India

ABSTRACT The present study was conducted to analyses changes that may occur in the available antero-posterior dimension (behind the dens) within the ring of the atlas vertebra resulting from optimal axial rotation of the neck. Radiographs were at obtained from twentyfive healthy volunteers of both sexes between the age group 25-50 years. The subjects recruited for the study were healthy individuals, with no any history of major ailments of the spine and did not show any unilateral or bilateral restriction of axial rotation at the neck. Outcome measures were evaluated by data obtained with and without axial rotation and were statistically compared for difference in means, their ratios, correlation and dependence. The anterior (AS) as well as the posterior spaces (PS) available respectively in front of and behind the odontoid process reduced in rotation. The reduction at the PS (average .89 mm) was 4.10 % of the available space observed without rotation. Although the reduction at the PS may not compress the spinal cord, extreme axial rotation with flexion may possibly compress the contents of the spinal canal, where atlas rings are smaller or accommodate a space-occupying lesion.

Keywords: Atlanto-axial, Dens, Translation, Space occupying lesion

European Journal of anatomy
ISSN 2340-311X (Online)