CLINICAL CORRELATIONS OF ATLANTO OCCIPITAL

AND ATLANTO AXIAL JOINT

BY :- Manahil Khan
ROLL NO. - 66
 It is characterised by the fracture of the pedicles
of the axis of vertebrae .
HANGMAN'S
FRACTURE It is a severe extension injury of the neck that
occurs from automobile accident or fall
from height .

In this injury the vertebral canal is enlarged due

to forward displacement of the body of axis , the
spinal cord is rarely compressed .

Executive hanging can also cause fracture of

odontoid process or seperation of axis from
the 3rd cervical vertebrae .
The fractures of the odontoid process of axis
vertebrae are relatively common , and usually occurs
due to fall or blow on the head. Excessive mobility of
the fractured odontoid process, particularly if
associated with rupture of transverse ligament of
atlas can cause compression of the spinal cord .

In executing hanging, death occurs due to posterior

dislocation of odontoid process (following
rupture of transverse ligament of atlas) crushing the
lower part of medulla oblongata which houses
vital centres and adjoining part of the spinal cord .
CERVICAL SPONDYLOSIS
Injury or degenerative changes of old age may rupture the thin lateral
parts of the annulus fibrosus resulting in prolapse of the nucleus
pulposus .

This is known as disc prolapse or spondylosis and it may be lateral or

median .

It is the commonest in the lumbar region , it may occur in the lower

cervical region .

This causes shooting pain along the distribution of the cervical

nerve pressed .
DISLOCATION

Cervical vertebrae may be fractured or dislocated by

a fall on the head with acute flexion of the neck .

In the cervical region , the vertebrae can dislocate

without any fracture of the articular processes due to
their horizontal position .
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