Magnetic resonance imaging investigation of the atlanto‐axial interspace

The objective of this study is to examine the anatomy of the atlanto‐axial interspace using magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Two hundred and forty MR images of living subjects were examined for the presence of a posterior dural prominence and oblique hypointense fibers between the first and second cervical neural arches. Of the 240 images analyzed, 64% revealed a posterior concavity of the cervical dura mater. Of this, 24% also revealed oblique, linear hypointense fibers that appeared to be in direct contact with the dura mater. Twenty‐three percent of the 240 images revealed oblique, linear hypointense fibers. Of the 23% that exhibited these fibers, 76% had an associated posterior thecal concavity of the cervical dura mater. A posterior dural prominence and oblique hypointense fibers were present in the atlanto‐axial interspace in a significant number of randomly selected magnetic resonance images. These findings may represent normal, nonpathological anatomy found on MR images and may be related to a recently reported anatomical structure. Clin. Anat. 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

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