Türk Nöroşirürji Dergisi 2015 , Vol 25 , Num 2
Surgical Anatomy of the Craniovertebral Junction
Ahmet Gürhan GÜRÇAY1, Mehmet Özerk OKUTAN2
1Ankara Atatürk Eğitim ve Araştırma Hastanesi Beyin ve Sinir Cerrahisi Kliniği, Ankara, Türkiye
2Özel Medicana Konya Hastanesi Beyin ve Sinir Cerrahisi Kliniği, Konya, Türkiye
The craniovertebral junction (CVJ) includes the base of the occipital bone (C0), atlas (C1) and axis (C2). This region differs from other cervical vertebrae with its varied bone shape, complex joint-ligament structure and axis of motion. The vertebral artery (VA) is one of the most important anatomical structures, especially in CVJ surgery. VA is divided into an anterior and two posterior branches before creating the basilar artery. While the anterior spinal artery feeds the 2/3rd anterior part of the spinal cord, the posterior spinal artery feeds the 1/3rd posterior part of the spinal cord. CVJ is equipped with a complex and strong ligamentous structure. It is very important to know the anatomical structures and their relationships with each other before surgical procedures. Detailed radiological examinations should be performed on the ony and vascular structures and potential anatomical variations should be evaluated prior to intervention to ensure a proper surgical plan and procedure. Anahtar Kelimeler : Craniovertebral junction, Vertebral artery, Anatomy