A Micro-CT Study of Different Regions of the Atlas

SUMMARY: This study aimed to examine the differences in bone microarchitecture between different regions of the atlas in 28 dry atlas specimens using micro-CT, in order to explain the mechanism of the predilection sites of atlas fractures from the morphological point of view. A total of 28 dry specimens of intact adult atlas were randomly selected, scanned by micro-CT, and divided into a region from the anterior arch midpoint (AAM) to the lateral masses (LM), a LM region, and a region from the LM to the posterior arch midpoint (PAM). Trabecular thickness, separation, number, connectivity, and structure model index were measured for each of the three regions using the built-in software of the CT scanner. Trabecular thickness was all measured to be 0.11 ± 0.00 mm for AAM to LM, LM, and LM to PAM. Trabecular separation: AAM to LM > LM to PAM > LM. Trabecular number: LM > LM to PAM > AAM to LM. Connectivity: LM > LM to PAM > AAM to LM. Structure model index: LM > LM to PAM > AAM to LM. A lower trabecular number and connectivity and higher trabecular separation were seen in the anterior and posterior arches of the atlas, in which higher fracture rates were reported. By contrast, a higher trabecular number and connectivity and lower trabecular separation were seen in the lateral masses, in which lower fracture rates were reported.

Bibliographic Details

Main Authors:	Cao,Zhenhua, Su,Baoke, Wang,Wei, Li,Zhijun, Wang,Haiyan, Wang,Xing, Zhang,Shaojie, Wang,Yidan, Guan,Huanhuan, Gao,Mingjie, Wang,Zhiqiang, Zhang,Yunfeng, Li,Xiaohe, Wang,Yan
Format:	Digital revista
Language:	English
Published:	Sociedad Chilena de Anatomía 2020
Online Access:	http://www.scielo.cl/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0717-95022020000200477
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