| ObjectiveTo investigate the location, morphology and courser of components of occipito-atlantoaxial ligaments complex and to study their MR features and optimal imaging sequence.Materials and methods1 case of normal adult skull fixed in formalin was chosen to observe the morphology. Formalin-fixed normal adult cervico-occipital part was measured transactionally and coronally in 0.5mm lamellar section.20 cases of vonlunteers were given T1-weighted imaging, T2-weighted imaging and proton density weighted imaging to evaluate the display effect and rate of occipito-atlantoaxial ligaments complex.ResultsMRI can display structures of component ligaments of occipito-atlantoaxial ligaments complex. Among them, the display rate of cruciform ligament of atlas, tectorial membrane and alar ligaments were 100% (20/20). Superior and inferior longitudinal band of cruciform ligament of atlas were not shown so good. Apical dental ligament were displayed in sagittal and coronal position and display rate is 40% and 35% respectively. Accessory atlantoaxial ligament were displayed in coronal position and the display rate is 50%.2 senior doctors suggested that PDWI display occipito-atlantoaxial ligaments complex best with low signal. Middle section of odontoid process is the ideal display lamillar of cruciform ligament of atlas. Middle sagittal plane of odontoid process is the ideal display lamillar of superior and inferior longitudinal band of cruciform ligament of atlas and apical dental ligament. Middle and post coronal plane of odontoid process is the ideal display lamillar of alar ligaments. Post coronal plane of Transverse ligament of atlas is the ideal display lamillar of accessory atlantoaxial ligament.ConclusionsMRI can display structures of component ligaments of occipito-atlantoaxial ligaments complex. PDWI clearly displays ligaments structure of occipito-atlantoaxial ligaments complex and serves as ideal MRI imaging sequences. Appropriate imaging lamillar is beneficial to display ligaments better. |
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