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what is the atlantoaxial joint

by Meredith Cassin Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Introduction. The atlantoaxial joint is a type of synovial joint
synovial joint
Synovial joints arise through two main processes. In long bone elements, cartilaginous differentiation occurs across the locations of the prospective joints that then segment secondarily. This process occurs through the development of a noncartilaginous region known as the interzone.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov › ...
that is classified as a biaxial, pivot joint
. This joint resides in the upper part of the neck between the first and second cervical vertebrae, also known as the atlas and axis, respectively.
Sep 3, 2021

What are the 5 types of joints?

Nov 05, 2020 · The atlantoaxial joint is a complex joint between the atlas  (C1) and the axis  (C2). It is composed of three synovial joints; one median atlantoaxial joint and two lateral atlantoaxial joints . The median atlantoaxial joint is formed between the dens of axis and an osteoligamentous ring of the atlas anteriorly and transverse ligament posteriorly.

Is the atlantoaxial joint uniaxial?

Jul 07, 2021 · The Atlantoaxial Joint is one of the most mobile joints in the spine. Rotation is the principal function. It allows us to turn our heads to the left and right. The AA joint enables us to move our heads in the familiar ” no” motion. It also allows limited flexion, extension, and …

What type of joint is a multiaxial joint?

Sep 03, 2021 · The atlantoaxial joint is a unique joint with multiple distinct structural aspects contributing to its crucial function for cervical stability and mobilization. It consists of three distinct, synovial joints: one medial joint and two lateral atlantoaxial joints.

What is the Atlas and axis joint?

Atlanto-axial instability (AAI) is a condition that affects the bones in the upper spine or neck under the base of the skull. The joint between the upper spine and base of the skull is called the atlanto-axial joint. In people with Down syndrome, the ligaments (connections between muscles) are “lax” or floppy.

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What is the atlantoaxial joint and what does it do?

The lateral atlantoaxial joints are bilateral joints formed between the lateral masses of the atlas and axis. These joints are classified as gliding, or plane joints. The primary movement of the atlantoaxial joint complex is rotation. In rotation the atlas together with the head, rotate around the dens of axis.

What kind of joint is the Atlantoaxial?

pivot jointStructure. The atlanto-axial joint is a joint between the atlas bone and the axis bone, which are the first and second cervical vertebrae. It is a pivot joint.

Where is atlantoaxial joint located?

cervical spineThe C1 C2 spinal motion segment, also called the atlantoaxial joint, is located in the upper portion of the cervical spine. It consists of the C1 and C2 vertebrae, and the anatomical structures connecting them. This segment provides rotational motion, supports the head, and protects the spinal cord and nerve pathways.

Is the atlantoaxial joint a facet joint?

Atlantoaxial (C1-C2) facet joint osteoarthritis: a distinctive clinical syndrome.

What type of joint is the atlantoaxial joint quizlet?

Is a condylar synovial joint that permits flexion and extension of the cranium. This motion often noted when nodding the head to say "yes". Plane synovial joints that permit flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation of the cervical spine.

What is pivot joint?

pivot joint, also called rotary joint, or trochoid joint, in vertebrate anatomy, a freely moveable joint (diarthrosis) that allows only rotary movement around a single axis. The moving bone rotates within a ring that is formed from a second bone and adjoining ligament.

Is the atlanto-occipital joint uniaxial?

∘ Articulates with atlas forming atlantoaxial joint: Uniaxial synovial joint: fluid-filled joint that allows movement in one plane.Mar 29, 2020

What Is the Atlas?

The Atlas bone, also known as the C1 is the first bone in your neck (1). It is named after the Greek God Atlas who held up the world on his shoulders. The Atlas plays an important role as your head rests directly on this bone.

What Is the Axis Bone

The Axis bone is the second bone in the neck and as such it is also referred to as C2 (2). It is an odd-looking bone as it has a boney peg that looks like the Washington Monument. This boney projection is called the Dens. The Dens extend upward to the Atlas bone. It provides a stable point upon which the Atlas bone can rotate.

What Is the Atlantoaxial (AA) Joint?

The AA joint is formed by the union of the C1 and C2 bones. The Atlantoaxial joint is composed of three smaller joints:

What Are the Key Components of the AA Joint?

Like the knee joint, the AA Joint is lined with cartilage. Cartilage is the white shiny surface on the end of a bone that enables the smooth, pain-free movement of the joint. It absorbs and distributes large compressive and shear forces. The AA Joint is susceptible to injury and degeneration resulting in pain and reduced range of motion.

What Is the Function of the Atlantoaxial Joint?

The Atlantoaxial Joint is one of the most mobile joints in the spine. Rotation is the principal function. It allows us to turn our heads to the left and right. The AA joint enables us to move our heads in the familiar ” no” motion. It also allows limited flexion, extension, and lateral flexion.

What Is In the Craniocervical Junction?

The base of the Skull also known as the Occiput has a large opening at its base called the Foramen Magnum (5). Foramen meanings opening. Magnum means large. So the Foramen Magnum is a large boney opening at the base of the Skull that allows important structures to pass through. Important structures that pass through the Foramen Magnum include:

Why Is the Craniocervical Junction Important?

The Spinal Cord transmits essential information from the Brain into the body. It is essential for life itself. The Spinal Cord is extremely fragile and is suspectible to trauma, compression and irritation. If the Altantoaxial Joint is injured, unstable or degenerative the Spinal Cord and its transmitted information is at risk.

What is the Atlanto-axial joint?

Atlanto-occipital joint (anterior) Atlanto-occipital joint (posterior) The atlanto-axial joint is a joint between the first and second cervical vertebrae; the Atlas and Axis. It is a complex joint made up of three synovial joints and constitutes the most mobile articulation of the spine. The middle (or median) joint is classified as ...

Which joint allows rotation?

There are two lateral atlanto-axial joints which are concave in an anterior-posterior direction, this allows rotation. The median atlantoaxial joint is the articulation of the: . posterior surface of the anterior arch of atlas and the front of the odontoid process.

What is atlantoaxial osteoarthritis?

Atlantoaxial Osteoarthritis is a metabolically active, dynamic process that involves all joint tissues such as cartilage, synovium/capsule, ligaments and muscles. It refers to a clinical syndrome of joint pain accompanied by varying degrees of functional limitation and reduced quality of life . (Level of evidence 5, Level of evidence 1B) ...

What is the most common symptom of atlantoaxial osteoarthritis?

The most clinical symptom of atlantoaxial osteoarthritis is unilateral occipitocervical pain aggravated by head rotation. The pain ascends unilaterally to the occiput, the parietal skull and in some cases even to the eye.

What is a painful audible crepitation with head rotation?

A painful audible crepitation with head rotation. Spasms in the surrounding muscles and by limiting the range of motion (ROM) of the neck , especially in the plane of axial rotation of C1-C2. The severity of the symptoms does not seem to correspond with the severity of the atlanto-axial osteoarthritis.

How prevalent is osteoarthritis?

It has a prevalence between 4 and 8% . Only a minority of patients become symptomatic. Most (symptomatic) patients are female (74%) and present a unilateral osteoarthritis, which is typically triggered by rotation and can ascend to the occiput and towards the front.

Does radiological presence correlate with osteoarthritis?

Radiological presence/signs of atlantoaxial osteoarthritis do not correlate with the severity of the patients symptoms if those are presented. Those symptomatic patients complain mostly about unilateral neck pain occurring with the slightest head rotation and a painful audible crepitation with head rotation.

Is osteoarthritis a symptomatic disease?

Idiopathic osteoarthritis occurs in the elderly, whereas posttraumatic osteoarthritis occurs more often in the younger population. It has a prevalence between 4 and 8% . Only a minority of patients become symptomatic. Most (symptomatic) patients are female (74%) and present a unilateral osteoarthritis, which is typically triggered by rotation and can ascend to the occiput and towards the front.

Is atlanto odontoid degeneration high?

The incidence of atlanto-odontoid degeneration is very high in patients who have had an odontoid fracture but it's remarkable that the lateral atlantoaxial joints are relatively spared. Head loading is also a known cause of degeneration affecting the occipito-cervical region.

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Description

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The atlanto-axial joint is a joint between the first and second cervical vertebrae; the Atlas and Axis. It is a complex joint made up of three synovial joints and constitutes the most mobile articulation of the spine. The middle (or median) joint is classified as a pivot joint and the lateral joints are plane articulations.
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Articulating Surfaces

  • There are two lateral atlanto-axial jointswhich are concave in an anterior-posterior direction, this allows rotation. The median atlantoaxial jointis the articulation of the: . 1. posterior surface of the anterior arch of atlas and the front of the odontoid process 2. anterior surface of the transverse ligament and the back of the odontoid process Between the articular processes of the two bone…
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Capsule

  • The atlantoaxial articular capsules are thick and loose, and connect the margins of the lateral masses of the atlas with those of the posterior articular surfaces of the axis. Each is strengthened at its posterior and medial part by an accessory ligament, which is attached below to the body of the axis near the base of the odontoid process, and above to the lateral mass of the atlasnear th…
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Ligaments

  • The ligaments connecting these bones are: 1. Articular capsules 2. Anterior atlantoaxial ligament 3. Posterior atlantoaxial ligament 4. Transverse Ligament of the Atlas 5. Alar ligaments 6. Apical ligament 7. Tectorial membrane
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Motions Available

  • Rotationis the primary movement at this joint - 60% of cervical rotation (50°) comes from the atlanto-axial articulation. This is allowed by the pivot articulation between the odontoid process of the axis and the ring formed by the anterior arch and the transverse ligament of the atlas. Flexion (10°)and Extensionis limited by tectoral membrane. Side flexion is around 5°.
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Pathology

  • Because of its proximity to the brain stemand importance in stabilization, fracture or injury at this level can be catastrophic. Common trauma and pathologies include (but are not limited to): 1. The Dens: significant depression on the skull can push the dens into the brainstem, causing death. The dens itself is vulnerable to fracture due to trauma or ossification. 2. Transverse ligament: Sh…
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1.Atlantoaxial joint: Anatomy, function, movements | Kenhub

Url:https://www.kenhub.com/en/library/anatomy/atlantoaxial-joint

20 hours ago Nov 05, 2020 · The atlantoaxial joint is a complex joint between the atlas  (C1) and the axis  (C2). It is composed of three synovial joints; one median atlantoaxial joint and two lateral atlantoaxial joints . The median atlantoaxial joint is formed between the dens of axis and an osteoligamentous ring of the atlas anteriorly and transverse ligament posteriorly.

2.What Is the Atlantoaxial Joint? - Centeno-Schultz Clinic

Url:https://centenoschultz.com/what-is-the-atlantoaxial-joint/

19 hours ago Jul 07, 2021 · The Atlantoaxial Joint is one of the most mobile joints in the spine. Rotation is the principal function. It allows us to turn our heads to the left and right. The AA joint enables us to move our heads in the familiar ” no” motion. It also allows limited flexion, extension, and …

3.Anatomy, Head and Neck, Atlantoaxial Joint - StatPearls ...

Url:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK563271/

21 hours ago Sep 03, 2021 · The atlantoaxial joint is a unique joint with multiple distinct structural aspects contributing to its crucial function for cervical stability and mobilization. It consists of three distinct, synovial joints: one medial joint and two lateral atlantoaxial joints.

4.Atlanto-axial joint - Physiopedia

Url:https://www.physio-pedia.com/Atlanto-axial_joint

13 hours ago Atlanto-axial instability (AAI) is a condition that affects the bones in the upper spine or neck under the base of the skull. The joint between the upper spine and base of the skull is called the atlanto-axial joint. In people with Down syndrome, the ligaments (connections between muscles) are “lax” or floppy.

5.Atlanto-axial instability (AAI): What you need to know

Url:https://www.massgeneral.org/children/down-syndrome/atlantoaxial-instability-aai

12 hours ago The atlantoaxial joint is a joint in the upper part of the neck between the first and second cervical vertebrae; the atlas and axis. It is a pivot joint. There is a pivot articulation between the odontoid process of the axis and the ring formed by the anterior …

6.Atlantoaxial Osteoarthritis - Physiopedia

Url:https://www.physio-pedia.com/Atlantoaxial_Osteoarthritis

24 hours ago Mar 28, 2022 · Atlanto-occipital/ Atlantoaxial Joint (Cervical Spine) Is a condylar synovial joint that permits flexion and extension of the cranium. This motion often noted when nodding the head to say “yes”. Plane synovial joints that permit flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation of the cervical spine. Is atlantoaxial joint a hinge joint?

7.Headache in Atlantodental Osteoarthritis | Universitair ...

Url:https://www.pijn.com/en/headache-atlantodental-osteoarthritis

27 hours ago Atlantoaxial Joint Intraarticular Injection These joints are primarily responsible for the 0 to 45 degrees of lateral rotation in each direction of the cervical spine. These joints can become a source of axial cervical pain in the event of cervical trauma or …

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