Magnetic Resonance Imaging Anatomy of Alar Ligament: A Review of Literature
https://doi.org/10.47836/mjmhs.19.5.44
- Author:
Raihanah Haroon
1
;
Siti Kamariah Che Mohamed
1
;
Karimah Hanim Abd. Aziz
2
Author Information
1. Radiology Department, Kulliyyah of Medicine, International Islamic University of Malaysia (IIUM), Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, 25200 Kuantan, Pahang
2. Department of Community Medicine, Kulliyyah of Medicine, International Islamic University of Malaysia (IIUM), Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, 25200 Kuantan, Pahang
- Publication Type:Review
- Keywords:
Alar ligament normal anatomy, Alar ligament variability, Alar ligament on 3.0T MRI, Alar ligament signal intensity
- From:Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences
2023;19(No.5):389-398
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Alar ligament is one of the most important craniocervical junction (CCJ) ligaments; acting as stabilizer of CCJ and
limiting axial rotation. It may be involved in various pathological processes including trauma. Magnetic resonance
imaging (MRI) is increasingly being used in cervical spine trauma as a supplement to conventional radiography and
computed tomography (CT) to detect a wide range of severe cervical spine injuries. MR depiction of alar ligament
requires special sequences despite no known established MR sequence is available. However, the role of MRI in
minor or moderate trauma, including whiplash injuries, has long been debated, particularly when neurological dysfunction is absent, because no anatomical disruption other than degenerative disc disease have been reported. In this
review, we provide detailed account on the current knowledge of MR visualization of normal alar ligament; outlining
the variations in its signal intensity, dimension, shape and orientation.
- Full text:11.2023my1646.pdf
