Does C1 and C2 have facets?
The C1 and C2 vertebrae are connected in the back by a pair of facet joints. The ring-shaped atlas rotates around the dens, which is the peg-like bony projection of the axis.
What does the cervical vertebrae articulate with?
Below the axis, the cervical vertebrae articulate with each other anteriorly at the intervertebral disks and posteriorly at the facet joints.
How are C1 and C2 different from other cervical vertebrae?
C1 and C2 vertebrae. The C1 vertebra, also called atlas, is shaped like a ring. The C2 vertebra has an upward-facing long bony process called the dens. The dens forms a joint with the C1 vertebra and facilitates its turning motions, thereby allowing the head to turn in different directions.
What is the articular pillar of cervical spine?
In the cervical vertebral column, the articular processes collectively form the articular pillars. These are the bony surfaces palpated just lateral to the spinous processes.
What is special about C1?
The cervical vertebrae C1 is attached directly to the skull, which allows for any nodding lateral motions. The top foremost of the vertebrae, C1, allows for a greater range of motion than normal vertebrae.
Where is the articular pillar located on a cervical vertebra?
The articular pillar is that part of the vertebra that lies immediately posterior and medial to each transverse process.
Where is C1 and C2 on the spine?
neck
The C1 and C2 vertebrae are the highest of the spinal vertebrae and are located at the very top of the neck, connecting the head to the spine. The C1 vertebrae is named atlas and the C2 vertebrae is named axis.
What happens if you fracture C1?
Complications in the management of C1 fractures range from minor discomfort to death. The primary concern with C1 fractures is establishing and maintaining cervical stability. Atlanto-occipital and atlantoaxial instability threatens the brainstem and spinal cord, potentially causing myelopathy and even mortality.
What is the purpose of the articular processes of the vertebrae?
The functional significance of the articular processes is obviously to limit rotation, which can take place in the lumbar segment of the vertebral column during any asymmetrical movement of the body.
What does the C1 control?
The C1 vertebrae is named atlas and the C2 vertebrae is named axis. As well as protecting the spinal cord, these vertebrae are primarily responsible for facilitating and controlling the large range of movement that your neck has, and supporting the considerable weight of your skull at the tip of your spine.
How serious is a C1 vertebrae fracture?
Injuries to the C1 and C2 vertebrae are rare, accounting for only 2% of spinal injuries each year. However, they are also considered to be the worst spinal cord injury that it is possible to sustain, and often fatal.
Can you recover from a C1 fracture?
Isolated atlas fractures can be effectively managed with 8 to 12 weeks of external immobilization of the craniocervical junction [3]. Collar immobilization or cervical traction for this period of time is usually sufficient to allow for proper healing; however, the type of orthosis required varies [3, 20].
How long does it take to recover from a C1 fracture?
Nonoperative management remains the mainstay of treatment for C1 fractures. Isolated atlas fractures can be effectively managed with 8 to 12 weeks of external immobilization of the craniocervical junction [3].
What are the articular pillars?
In the cervical vertebral column, the articular processes collectively form the articular pillars. These are the bony surfaces palpated just lateral to the spinous processes.
What is laminar groove and articular pillar in cervical spine?
Figure 4. Laminar groove and articular pillar. (A) Right oblique (superior posterolateral) view of a typical cervical vertebra. The lamina/laminar groove and articular process of the vertebra are seen. (B) Stacking of the articular processes of the cervical spine creates the cervical pillar (articular pillar).
Why are isolated articular pillar fractures missed on routine AP?
Due to the difficulties of radiographic visualization of the articular pillars and laminae on routine AP, oblique and lateral views of the cervical spine, isolated articular pillar fractures may be missed.
What are the articular surfaces of the cervical vertebral column?
The articular surfaces are coated with hyaline cartilage. In the cervical vertebral column, the articular processes collectively form the articular pillars. These are the bony surfaces palpated just lateral to the spinous processes.