However, there may be damage further down the vertebral column. Since the vertebral foramen is large, it is unlikely that there will be damage to the spinal cord at the C1 level. If the fall occurs with enough force, the transverse ligament of the atlas may also be ruptured. This causes them to be driven apart, fracturing one or both anterior/posterior arches. diving into excessively shallow water can compress the lateral masses of the atlas between the occipital condyles and the axis. nodding.Ĭlinical Relevance: Injuries to the Cervical Spine Jefferson Fracture of the AtlasĪ vertical fall onto an extended neck e.g. These are condyloid type synovial joints, and permit flexion at the head i.e. They occur between then superior facets of the lateral masses of the atlas and the occipital condyles at the base of the cranium. The atlanto-occipital joints consist of an articulation between the spine and the cranium. Medial atlanto-axial joint – formed by the articulation of the dens of C2 with the articular facet of C1.Lateral atlanto-axial joints (x2) – formed by the articulation between the inferior facets of the lateral masses of C1 and the superior facets of C2.The atlanto-axial joints are formed by the articulation between the atlas and the axis: There are two joints unique to the cervical spine – the atlanto-axial (x3) and atlanto-occipital joints (x2). Between vertebral arches – formed by the articulation of superior and inferior articular processes from adjacent vertebrae.This is a type of cartilaginous joint, known as a symphysis. Between vertebral bodies – adjacent vertebral bodies are joined by intervertebral discs, made of fibrocartilage.There are two different joints present throughout the vertebral column: The joints of the cervical spine can be divided into two groups – those that are present throughout the vertebral column, and those unique to the cervical spine. The axis also contains superior articular facets, which articulate with the inferior articular facets of the atlas to form the two lateral atlanto-axial joints. This allows for rotation of the head independently of the torso. The dens articulates with the anterior arch of the atlas, in doing so creating the medial atlanto-axial joint. The axis (C2) is easily identifiable due to its dens (odontoid process) which extends superiorly from the anterior portion of the vertebra. The posterior arch has a groove for the vertebral artery and C1 spinal nerve. This is secured by the transverse ligament of the atlas – which attaches to the lateral masses. The anterior arch contains a facet for articulation with the dens of the axis. Instead, the atlas has lateral masses which are connected by an anterior and posterior arch. Each lateral mass contains a superior articular facet (for articulation with occipital condyles), and an inferior articular facet (for articulation with C2). It differs from the other cervical vertebrae in that it has no vertebral body and no spinous process. The atlas is the first cervical vertebra and articulates with the occiput of the head and the axis (C2). The atlas and axis have additional features that mark them apart from the other cervical vertebrae. Injury to the spinal cord at the level of the cervical spine can lead to temporary or permanent paralysis of the entire body from the neck down.Fig 2 – Characteristic features of a cervical vertebrae Atlas and Axis Damage to the spinal cord is very serious and can result in paralysis or death. A diver strikes the bottom of a shallow poolĪny injury to the vertebrae can have serious consequences because the spinal cord, the central nervous system's connection between the brain and the body, runs through the center of the vertebrae.A gymnast misses the high bar during a release move and falls.An ice hockey player is struck from behind and rams into the boards.A football player 'spears' an opponent with his head.In elderly people, ground-level falls, such as falling off a chair, can result in a cervical fracture.

A fracture, or break, in one of the cervical vertebrae is commonly called a broken neck.Ĭervical fractures usually result from high-energy trauma, such as automobile crashes or falls.

They support the head and connect it to the shoulders and body. There are seven bones that make up the cervical vertebrae (neck).

Base and body cervical spine x ray