CT-functional diagnostics of the rotatory instability of the upper cervical spine. Part 2. An evaluation on healthy adults and patients with suspected instability

Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 1987 Oct;12(8):726-31. doi: 10.1097/00007632-198710000-00002.

Abstract

Nine healthy adults and 43 patients with cervical spine injury were examined by using functional (computerized tomography) CT scanning. The ranges of axial rotation at the levels occiput C0-C1, C1-C2, and C2-C3 were measured. A rotation at C0-C1 greater than 8 degrees; at C1-C2, 56 degrees; or a right-left difference C0-C1 greater than 5 degrees and C1-2 greater than 8 degrees indicates hypermobility. A rotation at segment C1-C2 of less than 28 degrees indicates hypomobility. Surgical stabilization of rotatory instability could be considered as a possible therapeutic procedure.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Cervical Vertebrae / diagnostic imaging
  • Cervical Vertebrae / injuries*
  • Cervical Vertebrae / physiopathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Joint Instability / diagnostic imaging*
  • Joints / physiopathology
  • Ligaments / physiopathology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Reference Values
  • Rotation
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed*