Posterior atlanto-axial ligament

Original Editor - Rachael Lowe

Top Contributors - Kim Jackson, Evan Thomas, Daniele Barilla, Admin, Rachael Lowe and WikiSysop

Description[edit | edit source]


The posterior atlantoaxial ligament is a broad, thin membrane attached, above, to the lower border of the posterior arch of the atlas; below, to the upper edges of the lamina of the axis. It is a continuation of the Ligamentum flavum, and is in relation, behind, with the obliqus capitis inferior muscle. [1]It is part of a ligament complex called Altantoaxial Ligament Complex (Axis). These four ligaments extend from the Atlas to the Axis:

Upper cervical ligaments.png
Atlanto-occipital joint posterior.png

Attachments[edit | edit source]

From lower border of atlantal arch (and more superiorly to the occipital bone) and upper borders of lamina of C2.

Function[edit | edit source]

It contributes the stabilization of the atlanto-axial joint movement that overall allows 10-15° of flexion/extension and 30° of axial rotation.

Clinical Relevance[edit | edit source]

  • Rupture
- In case of traumatic and non-traumatic atlanto-axial subluxation/dislocation the posterior atlantisaxis ligamente could suffer a rupture. [2]
  • Atlantoaxial instability (AAI)
- Can originate in a congenital conditions, but in adults, it is primarily seen in the setting of acute trauma or degenerative changes due to the inflammatory pannus of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
  • Ossification
- The ossification of the posterior atlantoaxial membrane that led to the development of cervical myelopathy is rare.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

There is no record of specific treatment of the Atlantoaxial ligament complex. Hovewer, in case of AAI or rupture, the treatment should include the cervical stabilization management . Check this page about Cervical Instability for further information.

Resources[edit | edit source]

Spine Universe

See also[edit | edit source]

Anterior Atlantoaxial Ligament

Anterior Atlanto-occipital Ligament

Atlanto-axial osteoarthritis

Posterior Atlanto-occipital Ligament

Transverse ligament of the atlas

Sharp Purser Test

References[edit | edit source]

  1. Gray, Henry. 1918. Anatomy of the Human Body. Bartleby.com. Retrieved 2012-09-27.
  2. Hall, Graham C et al. “Atlanto-Occipital Dislocation.” World Journal of Orthopedics 6.2 (2015): 236–243. PMC. Web. 25 Apr. 2017.