Diagnosis and Treatment for Traumatic Injury of the Upper Cervical Spine(<SPECIAL ISSUES>Surgical Management of the Cranio-cervical Junction Disorders)

Abstract

The upper cervical spine is a highly mobile region with complex anatomical structures. Therefore, it is prone to suffer traumatic injury. The diagnosis and treatment for this region are complicated as compared with other spinal regions. This review will summarize the current concepts of the diagnosis and the treatment for traumatic injury of the upper cervical spine, especially focusing on methods of surgical fixation.