Upper Cervical Spine Trauma
A 42-year-old woman with long-standing rheumatoid arthritis presents with progressive neck pain, occipital headaches, and episodic hand paresthesias. Flexion-extension lateral cervical radiographs show an atlantodental interval (ADI) of 9mm. MRI demonstrates high signal in the transverse ligament without visible bony avulsion. She has hyperreflexia in the lower extremities and a positive Hoffman sign bilaterally. Regarding transverse ligament rupture and atlantoaxial instability:
Mark each as TRUE or FALSE
The transverse ligament is the primary stabilizer of the atlantoaxial (C1-C2) articulation, preventi...
The Dickman classification categorizes transverse ligament injuries: Type I (midsubstance ligament r...
The transverse ligament is a minor stabilizer at C1-C2; ADI greater than 3mm is normal in adults; ch...
Causes of transverse ligament incompetence include trauma (flexion injury), inflammatory conditions ...
Clinical assessment includes posterior atlantodental interval (PADI - space available for cord), wit...
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Click T (True) or F (False) for each option