Ability of magnetic resonance imaging to accurately determine alar ligament integrity in patients with atlanto-occipital injuries

Conclusion: The use of MRI to detect upper cervical ligament injuries in AOD is imperfect. Our results show inconsistent and unsatisfactory interobserver and intraobserver reliability in evaluation of alar ligament injuries. While MRI has immense potential for detection of ligamentous injury at the craniovertebral junction, standardized algorithms for its use and interpretation need to be developed.

Source: Journal of Craniovertebral Junction and Spine - January 21, 2019 Category: Orthopaedics Authors: Adam R Dyas Thomas E Niemeier Gerald Mcgwin Steven M Theiss Source Type: research