[Occipitocervical junction: Aanatomy, craniometry and pathology]

Radiologe. 2016 Apr;56(4):375-86; quiz 387-8. doi: 10.1007/s00117-016-0095-9.
[Article in German]

Abstract

The occipitocervical junction comprises of the occiput condyles, the atlas, and the axis. The radiological evaluation of this region is supported by craniometric measurement methods which are based on predefined anatomical landmarks. The main pathologies of the occipitocervical junction are traumatic injuries, congenital anomalies or normal variants, infections, arthropathies, and tumors. In this article, the anatomy of the occipitocervical junction as well as the most important craniometric measurement methods are explained. Moreover various pathologies and similar appearing normal variants are presented.

Keywords: Atlas; Axis; Basilar impression; Occipital condyle; Occipitocervical junction.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Atlanto-Axial Joint / diagnostic imaging*
  • Atlanto-Axial Joint / injuries*
  • Atlanto-Axial Joint / pathology
  • Atlanto-Occipital Joint / diagnostic imaging*
  • Atlanto-Occipital Joint / injuries*
  • Atlanto-Occipital Joint / pathology
  • Cephalometry / methods
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Diagnostic Imaging / methods
  • Humans
  • Nervous System Malformations / diagnostic imaging*
  • Nervous System Malformations / pathology
  • Spinal Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Spinal Diseases / pathology