What is the craniovertebral junction?

The craniovertebral junction is a complex region that incorporates the occiput-C1-C2 portions of the spine. It is a transition between the cranium and the mobile cervical spine that permits significant motion.

What is Cvj anomaly?

Craniovertebral junction (CVJ) anomalies can be congenital, developmental or due to malformation secondary to any acquired disease process. These anomalies can lead to cranial nerve compression, vertebral artery compression, and obstructive hydrocephalus.

What is the rule of Spence?

The Rule of Spence is a radiologic method to evaluate the likelihood of injury to the transverse atlantal ligament (TAL) on an open mouth AP (“peg”) radiograph.

Where is the craniocervical junction?

Abstract. The craniocervical junction (CCJ) is comprised of the inferior surface of the skull, the atlas and axis, as well as muscles and connective tissues that attach the skull to the cervical spine. The CCJ encloses the central nervous system (CNS), encephalic vasculature and the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) system.

Is basilar invagination common?

Basilar invagination is a rare but serious condition in which the second cervical vertebra migrates upward into the intracranial space, causing pressure on the upper part of the spinal cord and lower brainstem.

What is Clival hypoplasia?

Basioccipital hypoplasia has been defined as hypoplasia of ≥1 of the 5 clival segments (sclerotomes) of the clivus (simplified from Fujita et al14). Basilar invagination is commonly defined as cranial displacement of >5 mm of the tip of the odontoid above to the Chamberlain line.

What abnormalities of the craniocerebral junction development you know?

Symptoms of a craniocervical junction disorder may include:

• Neck pain.
• Headache.
• Balance problems.
• Voice changes.
• Difficulty swallowing.
• Respiratory problems or sleep apnea.
• Motor speech issues such as difficulty articulating.
• Compression of the spinal cord.