Nine healthy adults and 43 patients with cervical spine injury were examined by using functional (computerized tomography) CT scanning. The ranges of axial rotation at the levels occiput C0–C1, C1–C2, and C2–C3 were measured. A rotation at C0–C1 greater than 8°; at C1–C2, 56°; or a right-left difference C0–C1 greater than 5° and C1–2 greater than 8° indicates hypermobility. A rotation at segment C1–C2 of less than 28° indicates hypomobility. Surgical stabilization of rotatory instability could be considered as a possible therapeutic procedure.
Keywords:
upper cervical spine; trauma; rotatory instability; CT scanning; normal parameters