Atlanto-axial Joint
| Atlanto-axial Joint | |
|---|---|
| Primary Type | Synovial Joint |
| Secondary Type | Pivot Joint |
| Bones | C1 (Atlas), C2 (Axis) |
| Ligaments | |
| Muscles | |
| Innervation | C2 |
| Vasculature | |
| ROM | Rotation ~45° each way, flexion-extension ~10° each way, and lateral flexion ~5° each way |
| Volume | |
| Conditions | |
The atlas (C1) sits on the axis (C2) and the wear is borne through the lateral antlanto-axial joints. Apart from its weight-bearing function, it also allows a large range of axial rotation.
Structure
There are three atlanto-axial joints, one median, and two lateral.
- The median joint is between the posterior surface of the anterior arch of the atlas (C1) and the front of the odontoid process
- The lateral atlantoaxial joints are between the lateral mass of the atlas (C1) and axis (C2) on both sides.
The articular surface of both the lateral atlantial and axial facets are convex, hence the joint is biconvex. The spaces in the anterior and posterior aspects are filled with intra-articular meniscoids.
Movement
The atlanto-axial joint provides axial rotation estimated to be 43 ± 5.5°. This is about 50% of the total range of axial rotation of the head and neck.
During rotation the anterior arch of the atlas (C1) pivots around the odontoid process (i.e. the median atlantoaxial joint), while the lateral masses slide backwards or forwards, circumferentially (i.e. at the lateral atlantoaxial joints).
At neutral, the biconvex joint peaks approximate each other. With atlas (C1) rotation the ipsilateral facet slides down the posterior slope of its axial facet, while the contralateral facet slides down the anterior slope of its axial facet. The results in the atlas (C1) descending into the axis (C2). With rotation back to neutral the atlas (C1) rises back up.
Flexion-extension is only about 10° (each way), and lateral flexion about 5° (each way).
Muscles of the atlas (C1):
- Levator scapulae: this inserts on the transverse process of the atlas (C1), but this acts on the scapula not the atlas (C1).
- Obliquus superior and rectus capitis posterior minor: acts on the occiput
- Rectus anterior and rectus lateralis: acts on the occiput
- Longus cervicis (longus colli): attaches to the anterior tubercle of the atlas (C1) and is a weak flexor of the head. There is no antagonist muscle.
The atlas (C1) is essentially a passive washer between the head and rest of the cervical spine. The movements are essentially passive. The principal movements are directed by the muscles that act on the head. For rotation of the atlas (C1), it is splenius capitis and sternocleidomastoid acting on the head that cause this movement.
With this passive motion, the atlas (C1) can often extend during full cervical flexion depending on whether the compression load is directed anterior or posterior to the atlanto-axial joint contact point.
Stability and Restraints
There are no true ligaments providing restraint to flexion and extension. There are fascial membranes that don't provide any significant ligamentous restraint. The atlas (C1) can flex until the posterior arch hits the occiput, or extend until it hits the neural arch of C2.
For axial rotation, the capsules of the lateral atlanto-axial joints and the alar ligaments provide some restraints. The capsules are loose and provide only minor restraint. The alar ligaments are the cardinal restraints to axial rotation and dislocation in rotation doesn't occur while this is intact. The alar ligaments run from the upper end of the odontoid process to the margin of the foramen magnum, bypassing the atlas (C1). They effectively lock the axis (C2) into the head and in doing so clamp the atlas (C1) between the skull and the axis (C2).
Disruption of an alar ligament can lead to rotatory instability. With excessive axial rotation, the lateral mass of the atlas (C1) can dislocate at the lateral atlantoaxial joint, leading to a fixed atlantoaxial deformity.
For sliding, backward sliding has a bony limitation with impaction of the anterior arch of the atlas (C1) against the odontoid process. There is no bony restraint to forward sliding. Forward sliding is limited by the transverse ligament of the atlas (C1) and the alar ligaments. Dislocation in sliding doesn't occur if one of these is intact.
For lateral gliding, the primary restraint is the contralateral alar ligament, and bony impact of the lateral mass on the side of the odontoid process.
Innervation
The C2 spinal nerve is located behind the lateral atlantoaxial joint. The dorsal ramus supplies the superficial posterior neck muscles, and becomes the greater occipital nerve running over the occiput. The ventral ramus innervates the lateral atlantoaxial joint and then joins the cervical plexus.
See Also
References
- Bogduk et al. Biomechanics of the cervical spine. I: Normal kinematics. Clinical Biomechanics. 2000
