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Atlantoaxial Instability: Evolving Understanding

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New Trends in Craniovertebral Junction Surgery

Part of the book series: Acta Neurochirurgica Supplement ((NEUROCHIRURGICA,volume 125))

Abstract

The atlantoaxial joint is the most mobile joint in the body. The physical architecture of the joint is characterized by a uniformly round and approximately flat surface, which allows a wide range of unobstructed movements. The standing human posture and lifelong heartbeat like uninterrupted activity of the atlantoaxial joint, and its ability to facilitate saying both ‘yes’ and ‘no’ necessarily requires smooth and ‘fluid’ movements that are supported by strong yet supple ligaments. The magnificent architectural structure that is ‘magically’ designed and carved by nature to provide both stability and mobility and to allow a smooth and safe transit passage for the most critical neural and vascular structures can only be admired in awe and appreciated.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neurosurgery, King Edward VII Memorial Hospital and Seth GS Medical College, Mumbai, India

    Atul Goel

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  1. Atul Goel
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Neurosurgery, Catholic University of Rome, Institute of Neurosurgery, Rome, Italy

    Massimiliano Visocchi

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Goel, A. (2019). Atlantoaxial Instability: Evolving Understanding. In: Visocchi, M. (eds) New Trends in Craniovertebral Junction Surgery. Acta Neurochirurgica Supplement, vol 125. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-62515-7_9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-62515-7_9

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-62514-0

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-62515-7

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

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