Craniocervical instability involves different ways the connection between the head and upper spine can become unstable. People might experience one or more types of instability, and doctors use specific tests, like diagnostic imaging, to understand the extent of this instability. These craniocervical junction measurements, along with a patient’s history and examination, help determine the best course of action.
Various types of instability, such as Atlanto-Occipital Dislocation (AOD), which disrupts the connection between the skull and upper spine, often caused by trauma or connective tissue disorders. Atlantoaxial Instability (AAI) involves excessive movement between the first and second cervical vertebrae (i.e. the Atlas and Axis), and Horizontal and Vertical Craniocervical Instability refer to the overextension in upward and downward directions.
It’s crucial to recognize that investigating craniocervical instability can be challenging due to the need for dynamic imaging, and CCI knowledgeable medical experts. Additionally, it’s essential to distinguish this discussion from craniocervical abnormalities like basilar impression, basilar invagination, and Chiari malformation, which are separate conditions but may coexist.