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Biomechanics of the CVJ

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Surgery of the Cranio-Vertebral Junction

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Abstract

The craniovertebral junction (CVJ) consists of the occipital bone that surrounds the foramen magnum, the atlas, and the axis vertebrae. This bony enclosure represents the transition between the brain and cervical spine; it encompasses vital neural and vascular structures and allows the most mobility of any segment within the spine.

The complex musculoskeletal organization of the CVJ is unique in comparison with the rest of the cervical spine in regard to bony anatomy and joint configuration, shape, and orientation. This sophisticated arrangement of structures allows complex movements of the head and neck and provides protection of the critical areas of the brainstem and upper cervical spinal cord. In particular the majority of the rotation, flexion, and extension of the spine occur between the occiput, the atlas, and axis.

An understanding of the complexities of the CVJ anatomy and biomechanics is necessary to effectively evaluate and treat the various pathological processes that may affect this region.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Neurosurgery, Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy

    Francesco Signorelli

  2. Cranio Cervical Junction Surgery Operative Unit, Institute of Neurosurgery, Catholic University of Rome, Rome, Italy

    Massimiliano Visocchi

Authors
  1. Francesco Signorelli
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  2. Massimiliano Visocchi
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Neurosurgical Unit, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland

    Enrico Tessitore

  2. Department of Neurosurgery, North Shore University Hospitals, Manhasset, NY, USA

    Amir R. Dehdashti

  3. Neurosurgical Unit, ASL Napoli 2 Nord, Naples, Italy

    Claudio Schonauer

  4. Department of Neurosurgery, Innsbruck University Hospitals, Innsbruck, Austria

    Claudius Thomé

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Signorelli, F., Visocchi, M. (2020). Biomechanics of the CVJ. In: Tessitore, E., Dehdashti, A., Schonauer, C., Thomé, C. (eds) Surgery of the Cranio-Vertebral Junction. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-18700-2_4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-18700-2_4

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-030-18699-9

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-030-18700-2

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