Atlantoaxial joint

Organization and role

This region contributes substantially to head rotation. The transverse and alar ligaments, capsules and muscles support controlled mobility while protecting the cord.

Clinical relevance and investigation

Inflammatory arthritis, malformation or trauma can affect its stability. Instability requires medical and imaging assessment rather than observation of posture alone.

Points to consider

Stability depends on bones, capsules, ligaments, discs and muscles working together. Naming a joint or ligament does not establish injury. After trauma, their integrity must be considered before therapeutic mobilization.

Role of TAGMED care

At TAGMED, assessment aims to understand symptoms, history and functional limitations. Manual care and osteopathy, motorized spinal decompression, laser and shockwave have different indications. The term described in this entry is not enough to select any of these modalities. Their relevance, limitations and possible contraindications should be discussed in relation to diagnosis and individual goals.

Related concepts and distinctions

These concepts belong to the same field, but are not synonyms.

• Atlanto-occipital joint — Joint between the occipital condyles and the upper atlas surfaces, allowing movements including nodding of the head.
• Uncovertebral joint — Joint in the lower cervical spine between an uncinate process and the adjacent portion of the vertebral body above.
• Sacrospinous ligament — Ligament connecting the sacrum and coccyx to the ischial spine, contributing to sciatic foraminal boundaries and pelvic support.

Medical references

1. OpenStax, Rice University. Anatomy and Physiology 2e — The Vertebral Column.
2. Radiological Society of North America. RadLex Radiology Lexicon — terminology resource.

References document the topic; their inclusion does not imply endorsement of TAGMED services by those organizations.