The document describes the joints of the head and neck. It discusses the atlanto-occipital joints between the occipital condyles and atlas, which allow for flexion, extension, and lateral flexion but not rotation. It also describes the atlanto-axial joints, which consist of three synovial joints that permit extensive rotation of the head on the axis. Various ligaments connecting these bones are outlined, including the apical ligament between the odontoid process and foramen magnum. Fractures of the odontoid process or pedicle of the axis from falls or automobile accidents are also mentioned.

1. JOINTS OF HEAD & NECK
Dr. Mujahid Khan

2. Atlanto-Occipital Joints
 Are synovial joints
 Formed between the occipital condyles
above and the superior surfaces of the
lateral masses of the atlas below
 Occipital condyles are found on either side
of the foramen magnum

3. Ligaments
Anterior atlanto-occipital membrane:
 This is a continuation of the anterior longitudinal
ligament
 It runs as a band down the anterior surface of
the vertebral column
 The membrane connects the anterior arch of the
atlas to the anterior margin of the foramen
magnum

5. Posterior Atlanto-occipital
Membrane
 This membrane is similar to the ligamentum
flavum
 It connects the posterior arch of the atlas to the
posterior margin of the foramen magnum

7. Movements
 Flexion
 Extension
 Lateral flexion
 They do not rotate

8. Atlanto-Axial Joints
 They are three synovial joints
 One is between the odontoid process and
the anterior arch of the atlas
 Other two are between the lateral masses
of the bones

10. Ligaments
Apical ligament:
 This median placed structure connects the
apex of the odontoid process to the
anterior margin of the foramen magnum

12. Ligaments
Alar ligaments:
 These lie one on each side of the apical
ligament and connect the odontoid
process to the medial side of the occipital
condyles

14. Ligaments
Cruciate ligament :
 This ligament consists of a transverse part and a vertical
part
 The transverse part is attached on each side to the inner
aspect of the lateral mass of the atlas
 It binds the odontoid process to the anterior arch of the
atlas
 The vertical part runs from the posterior surface of the
body of the axis to the anterior margin of the foramen
magnum

16. Ligaments
Membrana tectoria
 This is an upward continuation of the posterior
longitudinal ligament
 Attached above to the occipital bone just within
the foramen magnum
 It covers the posterior surface of the odontoid
process and the apical, alar, and cruciate
ligaments

18. Movements
 Extensive rotation of the atlas and thus of
the head on the axis

19. Fracture of Odontoid Process
 Fractures of odontoid process are
relatively common
 Result from falls and blows on the head
 Excessive mobility of the odontoid
fragment or rupture of the transverse
ligament can result in compression injury
to the spinal cord

20. Fracture of Pedicle of Axis
 Cause is severe extension injury of the neck,
such as automobile accident or a fall
 Sudden overextension of the neck, as produced
by the knot of a hangman’s rope beneath the
chin
 Forward displacement of the vertebral body of
the axis occurs
 Spinal cord is rarely compressed