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Reeves BC, Valcarce-Aspegren M, Robert SM, Elsamadicy AA, Tucker AM, Storm PB, DiLuna ML, Kundishora AJ. Isolated unilateral alar ligamentous injury: illustrative cases. JOURNAL OF NEUROSURGERY. CASE LESSONS 2024; 7:CASE23664. [PMID: 38560931 PMCID: PMC10988229 DOI: 10.3171/case23664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Isolated unilateral alar ligament injury (IUALI) is a rare and likely underreported occurrence after upper cervical trauma, with only 16 cases documented in the literature to date. Patients generally present with neck pain, and definitive diagnosis is typically made by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Unfortunately, likely due in part to its rarity, there are no formal guidelines for the treatment of an IUALI. Furthermore, there is a limited understanding of the long-term consequences associated with its inadequate treatment. OBSERVATIONS Here, the authors report on three pediatric patients, each found to have an IUALI after significant trauma. All patients presented with neck tenderness, and two of the three had associated pain-limited range of neck motion. Imaging revealed either a laterally deviated odontoid process on cervical radiographs and/or MRI evidence of ligamentous strain or discontinuity. Each patient was placed in a hard cervical collar for 1 to 2 months with excellent resolution of symptoms. A comprehensive review of the literature showed that all patients with IUALI who had undergone external immobilization with either rigid cervical collar or halo fixation had favorable outcomes at follow-up. LESSONS For patients with IUALI, a moderate course of nonsurgical management with rigid external immobilization appears to be an adequate first-line treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin C Reeves
- 1Department of Neurosurgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | | | - Stephanie M Robert
- 1Department of Neurosurgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | | | - Alexander M Tucker
- 3Department of Neurosurgery, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Phillip B Storm
- 3Department of Neurosurgery, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Michael L DiLuna
- 1Department of Neurosurgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Adam J Kundishora
- 3Department of Neurosurgery, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Sun MY, Sui HJ, Eteer K, Yu SB, Hu JN. Utilization of MR imaging in myodural bridge complex with relevant muscles: current status and future perspectives. JOURNAL OF MUSCULOSKELETAL & NEURONAL INTERACTIONS 2020; 20:382-389. [PMID: 32877974 PMCID: PMC7493449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study is to review and discuss the literature on the utilization of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in investigating the structure and feasible function of the myodural bridge complex (MDBC) with relevant muscles, which will be useful to understand the function of the MDB. The myodural bridge (MDB) is a soft tissue connective bridge that provides a fascial continuity between the musculature/ligament and cervical spinal dura mater (SDM) in the suboccipital areas. All of these involved structures are referred to as the MDBC. It would transfer tensile forces effectively from involved suboccipital muscles/ligament to SDM during head movement. Despite present achievements, its anatomic and functional role is still unclear. MRI enables not only in vivo visualization of ligaments, musculature and spinal dura with conventional T1W, T2W and PDW imaging, but also functional evaluation of MDBC with relevant muscles, such as muscles' fatty infiltration, cross-sectional area changes and injuries. Though some functional MRI techniques have not been used for the MDBC with relevant muscles now, these techniques have great potential to better understand function of MDBC including its suspected clinical role. MRI is likely the most powerful tool to study MDBC and relevant muscles with only limited exploration so far.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei-Yu Sun
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Department of Radiology, Dalian, P.R. China
| | - Hong-Jin Sui
- Department of Anatomy, College of Basic Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, P.R. China
| | | | - Sheng-Bo Yu
- Department of Anatomy, College of Basic Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, P.R. China
| | - Jia-Ni Hu
- Department of Radiology, Wayne State University, USA
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Unal TC, Dolas I, Unal OF. Unilateral Alar Ligament Injury: Diagnostic, Clinical, and Biomechanical Features. World Neurosurg 2019; 132:e878-e884. [DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2019.07.198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2019] [Revised: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Hallgren RC, Rowan JJ. Magnetic Resonance Imaging Parameters Selected for Optimal Visualization of the Occipitoatlantal Interspace. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 119:173-182. [DOI: 10.7556/jaoa.2019.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Santin MDN, Cebula H, Ollivier I, Todeschi J, Baloglu S, Proust F. Diagnosis and suggested treatment against an isolated unilateral rupture of the alar ligament - Concerning one case. Neurochirurgie 2017; 63:478-482. [PMID: 29122308 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuchi.2017.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2017] [Revised: 07/10/2017] [Accepted: 07/28/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND An isolated rupture of the alar ligament is a rare occurrence with only a few cases reported in the literature. CASE REPORT The objective was to report the case of a young man with a unilateral rupture of the alar ligament that we closely monitored, clinically and radiologically, in order to describe the evolution of the alar ligament lesions. CONCLUSION Radiological diagnosis using cervical MRI and duration of the conservative treatment remain debated and we proposed a close radiological follow-up in order to best understand the nature of these ligament lesions and their evolution following specific treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- M-D-N Santin
- Service de Neurochirurgie, hôpital de Hautepierre, hôpitaux universitaires de Strasbourg, 67098 Strasbourg, France.
| | - H Cebula
- Service de Neurochirurgie, hôpital de Hautepierre, hôpitaux universitaires de Strasbourg, 67098 Strasbourg, France
| | - I Ollivier
- Service de Neurochirurgie, hôpital de Hautepierre, hôpitaux universitaires de Strasbourg, 67098 Strasbourg, France
| | - J Todeschi
- Service de Neurochirurgie, hôpital de Hautepierre, hôpitaux universitaires de Strasbourg, 67098 Strasbourg, France
| | - S Baloglu
- Service de Neuroradiologie (Radiologie 2), hôpital de Hautepierre, hôpitaux universitaires de Strasbourg, 67098 Strasbourg, France
| | - F Proust
- Service de Neurochirurgie, hôpital de Hautepierre, hôpitaux universitaires de Strasbourg, 67098 Strasbourg, France
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Iwanaga J, Sardi J, Voin V, Chapman JR, Oskouian RJ, Tubbs RS. Anatomy of Alar Ligament Part I: Morphometrics and Variants. World Neurosurg 2017; 107:1001-1006. [PMID: 28826867 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2017.07.187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2017] [Revised: 07/26/2017] [Accepted: 07/29/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The alar ligaments are among the primary ligamentous structures contributing to craniovertebral stability. The purpose of this study is to clarify the morphology of the alar ligament using fresh cadaveric specimens. METHODS Twenty-two fresh, frozen cadaveric alar ligaments were used in this study. The occiput, C1, and C2 were removed en bloc from each specimen, and various measurements and observations including variations were documented. RESULTS The angle formed by both alar ligaments was measured in a neutral position (149 ± 24.19 degrees), as well as during forced flexion (134.18 ± 27.08 degrees) and extension (163.81 ± 24.54 degrees). CONCLUSIONS The current cadaveric evaluation offers an interesting window into better understanding the anatomy of the alar ligaments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joe Iwanaga
- Seattle Science Foundation, Seattle, Washington, USA; Department of Anatomy, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Fukuoka, Japan; Dental and Oral Medical Center, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Fukuoka, Japan.
| | - Juan Sardi
- Hospital Universitario San Ignacio, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Vlad Voin
- Seattle Science Foundation, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Jens R Chapman
- Swedish Neuroscience Institute, Swedish Medical Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Rod J Oskouian
- Seattle Science Foundation, Seattle, Washington, USA; Swedish Neuroscience Institute, Swedish Medical Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - R Shane Tubbs
- Seattle Science Foundation, Seattle, Washington, USA; Department of Anatomical Sciences, St. George's University, St. George's, Grenada
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A Systematic Review of the Soft-Tissue Connections Between Neck Muscles and Dura Mater: The Myodural Bridge. Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 2017; 42:49-54. [PMID: 27116115 DOI: 10.1097/brs.0000000000001655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Systematic review. OBJECTIVE To elucidate the existence of soft tissue connections between the neck muscles and cervical dura mater. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Several studies discuss the existence of a cervical myodural bridge; however, conflicting data have been reported. METHODS Searches were conducted in the PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and PEDro databases. Studies reporting original data regarding the continuity of non-post-surgical soft tissue between the cervical muscles and dura mater were reviewed. Two reviewers independently selected articles, and a third one resolved disagreements. Another two researchers extracted the methodology of the study, the anatomical findings, and evaluated the quality of the studies using Quality Appraisal for Cadaveric Studies Scale. A different third researcher resolved disagreements. RESULTS Twenty-six studies were included. A soft tissue connection between the rectus capitis posterior minor, the rectus capitis posterior major, and the obliquus capitis inferior muscles seems to be proved with a strong level of evidence for each one of them. Controversy exists about the possible communication between the dura mater and the upper trapezius, rhomboideus minor, serratus posterior superior, and splenius capitis by means of the ligamentum nuchae. Finally, there is limited evidence about the existence of a soft tissue connection between rectus capitis anterior muscle and the dura mater. CONCLUSION There is a continuity of soft tissue between the cervical musculature and the cervical dura mater; this might have physiological, pathophysiological, and therapeutic implications, and going some way to explaining the effect of some therapies in craniocervical disorders. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE N/A.
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Fakhran S, Qu C, Alhilali LM. Effect of the Suboccipital Musculature on Symptom Severity and Recovery after Mild Traumatic Brain Injury. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2016; 37:1556-60. [PMID: 27012296 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a4730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2015] [Accepted: 01/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Neck musculature mass has been suggested as a biomechanical contributor to injury severity in mild traumatic brain injury. We sought to determine how the cross-sectional areas of the suboccipital muscles affect symptom severity, neurocognitive performance, and recovery time in patients with mild traumatic brain injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS Sixty-four consecutive patients with mild traumatic brain injury underwent MR imaging and serial neurocognitive testing with the Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Test. Cross-sectional areas of the rectus capitis posterior musculature were retrospectively obtained at C1, and cross-sectional areas of the remaining 7 suboccipital muscles were measured at C2. Cross-sectional area reproducibility was evaluated. Overall and individual muscle cross-sectional areas were correlated with symptom severity, neuropsychological testing, recovery time, and headache. RESULTS Sixty-four patients with mild traumatic brain injury had imaging through C1, and 43 had imaging through C2. Reproducibility of cross-sectional area measurements was substantial (correlation coefficients = 0.9517-0.9891). Lower cross-sectional area of the rectus capitis posterior minor was correlated with greater symptom severity (r = 0.596, P < .0001), longer recovery time (r = 0.387, P = .002), poor verbal memory performance (r = 0.285, P = .02), and headache (r = 0.39, P = .001). None of the other cross-sectional areas were associated with symptom severity, recovery time, neurocognitive testing, or headache. CONCLUSIONS In mild traumatic brain injury, the rectus capitis posterior minor is the only suboccipital muscle whose cross-sectional area is associated with symptom severity and worse outcome. Given the unique connection of this muscle to the dura, this finding may suggest that pathology of the myodural bridge contributes to symptomatology and prognosis in mild traumatic brain injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Fakhran
- From the Department of Radiology (S.F.), East Valley Diagnostic Imaging/Banner Health and Hospital Systems, Mesa, Arizona
| | - C Qu
- Department of Radiology (C.Q.), Division of Neuroradiology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - L M Alhilali
- Department of Neuroradiology (L.M.A.), Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona.
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Woodfield HC, York C, Rochester RP, Bales S, Beebe M, Salminen B, Scholten JN. Craniocervical chiropractic procedures - a précis of upper cervical chiropractic. THE JOURNAL OF THE CANADIAN CHIROPRACTIC ASSOCIATION 2015; 59:173-192. [PMID: 26136610 PMCID: PMC4486989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Presented here is a narrative review of upper cervical procedures intended to facilitate understanding and to increase knowledge of upper cervical chiropractic care. Safety, efficacy, common misconceptions, and research are discussed, allowing practitioners, chiropractic students, and the general public to make informed decisions regarding utilization and referrals for this distinctive type of chiropractic care. Upper cervical techniques share the same theoretical paradigm in that the primary subluxation exists in the upper cervical spine. These procedures use similar assessments to determine if spinal intervention is necessary and successful once delivered. The major difference involves their use of either an articular or orthogonal radiograph analysis model when determining the presence of a misalignment. Adverse events following an upper cervical adjustment consist of mild symptomatic reactions of short-duration (< 24-hours). Due to a lack of quality and indexed references, information contained herein is limited by the significance of literature cited, which included non-indexed and/or non-peer reviewed sources.
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Abstract
Only 6 cases of isolated unilateral rupture of the alar ligament have been previously reported. The authors report a new case and review the literature, morbid anatomy, and pathogenesis of this rare injury. The patient in their case, a 9-year-old girl, fell head first from a height of 5 feet off the ground. She presented with neck pain, a leftward head tilt, and severe limitation of right rotation, extension, and right lateral flexion of the neck. Plain radiographs and CT revealed no fracture but a shift of the dens toward the right lateral mass of C-1. Magnetic resonance imaging of the cervical spine showed signal hyperintensity within the left dens-atlas space on both T1- and T2-weighted sequences and interruption of the expected dark signal representing the left alar ligament, suggestive of its rupture. After 12 weeks of immobilization in a Guilford brace, MRI showed lessened dens deviation, and the patient attained full and painless neck motion. Including the patient in this case, the 7 patients with this injury were between 5 and 21 years old, sustained the injury in traffic accidents or falls, presented with marked neck pain, and were treated with external immobilization. All patients had good clinical outcome. The mechanism of injury is hyperflexion with rotation. Isolated unilateral alar ligament rupture is a diagnosis made by excluding associated fracture, dislocation, or disruption of other major ligamentous structures in the craniovertebral junction. CT and MRI are essential in establishing the diagnosis. External immobilization is adequate treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sui-To Wong
- Department of Paediatric Neurosurgery, Regional Center for Paediatric Neurosurgery and
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Kahkeshani K, Ward PJ. Connection between the spinal dura mater and suboccipital musculature: evidence for the myodural bridge and a route for its dissection--a review. Clin Anat 2011; 25:415-22. [PMID: 22488993 DOI: 10.1002/ca.21261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2010] [Revised: 07/02/2011] [Accepted: 07/23/2011] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
A connective tissue link between the spinal dura mater and the rectus capitis posterior minor muscle was first described in 1995 and has since been readily demonstrated via dissection, magnetic resonance imaging, and plastinated cross-sections of the upper cervical region (Hack et al. [1995] Spine 20:2484-2486). This structure, the so-called "myodural bridge," has yet to be included in any of the American anatomy textbooks or dissection guides commonly used in medical education. This direct anatomic link between the musculoskeletal system and the dura mater has important ramifications for the treatment of chronic cervicogenic headache. This article summarizes the anatomic and clinical research literature related to this structure and provides a simple approach to dissect the myodural bridge and its attachment to the posterior atlanto-occipital membrane/spinal dura mater complex and summarizes the case for its possible inclusion in medical anatomy curricula.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kourosh Kahkeshani
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine, Lewisburg, West Virginia 24901, USA
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