Level IV, Decision Analyses Study.

The authors describe in detail the position of greatest stability of the shoulder joint. They review the mechanical importance of this position in the overall physiology of the shoulder-girdle and stress the essential role of two articular ligaments of the shoulder joint (the coracohumeral and inferior glenohumeral ligaments) in arrival at this reference position. There thus exists a passive control, of ligamentous origin, of movements of the shoulder-girdle. The position is essential if the shoulder is to benefit from the full range of movement and full stability which it needs in every day functioning.

We report three patients in whom a fractured odontoid process was associated with a fracture of the superior articular process of the second cervical vertebra. Although there were no signs of neurological disorder, damage to the C1-C2 joint in all three patients made fusion necessary. Forced lateral flexion is suggested as the possible mechanism of injury.

No abstract

Level IV - retrospective study.