Craniocervical Junction Anatomy and Rotatory Subluxation

The craniocervical junction is a transitional zone between the cranium and the spine composed of osseous, ligamentous, and muscular structures. The atlantooccipital and atlantoaxial joints are the joints at this level responsible for flexion-extension and axial rotation, respectively. Given the atlantoaxial joint is the most mobile articulation of the spine, it is particularly prone to develop instability. Rotatory dislocation can result in compression of vascular and neural structures, resulting in devastating consequences. This review provides an updated description of the craniocervical junction in terms of anatomy and biomechanics, and an overview of atlantoaxial rotatory dislocation.