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The spectrum of traumatic injuries at the craniocervical junction: a review of imaging findings and management

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Abstract

The craniocervical junction is an area with unique biomechanical properties and injuries conferred often represent high-impact trauma. The vital structures traversing this region are susceptible to injury with frequent, only subtle findings identified on unenhanced CT, with MRI and CT angiography often revealing the full extent of injuries. This article reviews the osseous and ligamentous anatomy of the region and common injury patterns. Endovascular and neurosurgical management will also be discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neuroradiology, Barts Health NHS Trust, Whitechapel Road, London, E1 3BB, UK

    Juveria Siddiqui, Hegoda Levansri Makalanda, Thomas Campion & Ashok Adams

  2. Department of Neurosurgery, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK

    Patrick J. Grover

  3. Department of Neurosurgery, Barts Health NHS Trust, Whitechapel Road, London, E1 3BB, UK

    Jonathan Bull

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  1. Juveria Siddiqui
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  2. Patrick J. Grover
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  3. Hegoda Levansri Makalanda
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Correspondence to Juveria Siddiqui.

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Siddiqui, J., Grover, P.J., Makalanda, H.L. et al. The spectrum of traumatic injuries at the craniocervical junction: a review of imaging findings and management. Emerg Radiol 24, 377–385 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10140-017-1490-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10140-017-1490-x

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