OBJECT: The authors conducted a study to describe the detailed anatomy of the apical ligament and to acknowledge or refute its historical description as a functionally significant contributor to craniocervical stability. METHODS: In 20 adult human cadavers measurements of the apical ligament were obtained, and its detailed anatomy was observed. Ranges of motion were also assessed to discern the function of the apical ligament. CONCLUSIONS: Results of the study support the concept that the apical ligament is best described as a vestigial structure that offers no significant added stability to the craniocervical junction. In fact, this ligament was absent in 20% of the specimens examined. These data will aid physicians who frequently view images or manage clinical problems of the craniocervical junction because they may focus on other ligaments of this area and not the apical ligament.
OBJECT: The authors conducted a study to describe the detailed anatomy of the apical ligament and to acknowledge or refute its historical description as a functionally significant contributor to craniocervical stability. METHODS: In 20 adult human cadavers measurements of the apical ligament were obtained, and its detailed anatomy was observed. Ranges of motion were also assessed to discern the function of the apical ligament. CONCLUSIONS: Results of the study support the concept that the apical ligament is best described as a vestigial structure that offers no significant added stability to the craniocervical junction. In fact, this ligament was absent in 20% of the specimens examined. These data will aid physicians who frequently view images or manage clinical problems of the craniocervical junction because they may focus on other ligaments of this area and not the apical ligament.
Authors: Seleipiri Akobo; Elias Rizk; Marios Loukas; Jens R Chapman; Rod J Oskouian; R Shane Tubbs Journal: Childs Nerv Syst Date: 2015-08-08 Impact factor: 1.475
Authors: R Shane Tubbs; William Stetler; Mohammadali M Shoja; Marios Loukas; Ake Hansasuta; Peter Liechty; Leslie Acakpo-Satchivi; John C Wellons; Jeffrey P Blount; E George Salter; W Jerry Oakes Journal: Surg Radiol Anat Date: 2007-03-07 Impact factor: 1.246
Authors: R Shane Tubbs; Christoph J Griessenauer; Marios Loukas; Anna Zurada; Mohammadali M Shoja; Aaron A Cohen-Gadol Journal: Childs Nerv Syst Date: 2010-03-06 Impact factor: 1.475
Authors: Kristen Radcliff; Christopher Kepler; Charles Reitman; James Harrop; Alexander Vaccaro Journal: Clin Orthop Relat Res Date: 2012-06 Impact factor: 4.176
Authors: Basem Ishak; Alexander von Glinski; Graham Dupont; Stefan Lachkar; Emre Yilmaz; Joe Iwanaga; Andreas Unterberg; Rod Oskouian; R Shane Tubbs; Jens R Chapman Journal: Global Spine J Date: 2020-07-21