Imaging of the Craniocervical Junction: A Pictorial Review

Abstract

The craniocervical junction (CCJ) is a complex anatomical structure comprising the occiput, the atlas, and the axis. The CCJ plays an important role in maintaining stability, providing protection, and supporting neurovascular structures. The CCJ can be affected by a wide range of congenital variants and traumatic, degenerative, inflammatory, and tumoral pathologies. This pictorial review the normal anatomy of the CCJ and presents the most common anatomical variants and pathologic conditions affecting the CCJ.

Clivus-Cervical Stabilization through Transoral Approach in Patients with Craniocervical Tumor: Three Cases and Surgical Technical Note

“…Within the literature, there are few reports of clivus-cervical stabilization with cervical plate and mesh with cementation in oncological pathology [ 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 ]. To our knowledge, the reported cases for treatment are expanding implants or meshes with cementation in tumors and metastases of the subaxial cervical spine.…”

“…To our knowledge, the reported cases for treatment are expanding implants or meshes with cementation in tumors and metastases of the subaxial cervical spine. Regarding the presence of metastases in the CCJ, there is not enough information on surgical treatment since they cause instability and spinal cord compression [ 23 , 24 , 25 ].…”