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Biomechanics

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The Axis Vertebra

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Abstract

The human cervical spine has a unique anatomy adapted to accommodate the needs and stability of the highly mobile head–torso transition area. This is achieved through the presence of the upper cervical spine that includes the occipito- atlantal (C0–C1) and the atlantoaxial (C1–C2) joint complexes. Knowledge of the internal architecture of the axis, the instantaneous axis of rotation (IAR), the range of motion and the mechanical properties of the craniocervical junction ligaments play an important role to accessing and properly treating trauma and other diseases causing upper cervical spine instability.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Hippokration General Hospital, 4 Filikis Eterias, Panorama, Thessaloniki, 55236, Greece

    Vassilis A. Lykomitros

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  1. Vassilis A. Lykomitros
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Correspondence to Vassilis A. Lykomitros .

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  1. Heyden Street 10, ATHENS, 10434, Greece

    Demetrios S. Korres

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Lykomitros, V.A. (2013). Biomechanics. In: Korres, D. (eds) The Axis Vertebra. Springer, Milano. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-88-470-5232-1_3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-88-470-5232-1_3

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Milano

  • Print ISBN: 978-88-470-5231-4

  • Online ISBN: 978-88-470-5232-1

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