![]() ![]() As a result, injury to the craniocervical junction carries the potential for devastating morbidity and mortality. As well as housing the spinal cord and multiple cranial nerves, it is also approximated by critical vasculature supplying both the brain and the cervical spinal cord parenchyma. It is composed of osseous structures articulated with synovial joints, intrinsic ligaments and membranes and muscles. The craniocervical (craniovertebral) junction represents the complex transitional zone between the cranium and the spine and comprises a complex balance of different elements: it should be considered anatomically and radiologically a distinct entity from both the cranium and, in particular, the cervical spine. Injury of the craniocervical junction carries risk of blunt traumatic cerebrovascular injury.Dedicated MRI sequences can provide accurate evaluation of ligamentous integrity and injury.In blunt trauma, the anatomical biomechanical demands of the ligaments warrant consideration.Understanding the embryology of the craniocervical junction may prevent erroneous radiological interpretation.The craniocervical junction is a distinct osseo-ligamentous entity with specific functional demands.Appropriate secondary radiological imaging considerations related to potential complications of such trauma will also be discussed. The embryology and anatomy of the craniocervical junction will be outlined in this review and the relevant osseous and ligamentous injuries which can arise as a result of blunt trauma to this site described together. This will assist greatly in predicting risk for other critical injuries related to vital neighbouring structures such as vasculature, brain stem, cranial nerves and spinal cord. ![]() An understanding of bony and ligamentous injury patterns can also give some idea of the biomechanics and degree of force required to inflict such trauma. Osseous injury can be subtle while representing important radiological red flags for significant underlying ligamentous injury. Knowledge of the embryology and normal anatomy as well as normal variant appearances avoids inappropriate investigations in these trauma patients. The radiologist has a significant part to play in the appropriate management of patients who have suffered injury to this vital junction between the cranium and the spine. Imaging of the blunt traumatic injuries to the craniocervical junction can be challenging but central to improving morbidity and mortality related to such injury. ![]()
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