About this Research Topic
Considerations to patient treatment with abnormalities of this part of the spine include the age, and the optimal approach, as well as achieving a fine balance between stability and motion dynamics. Many approaches have evolved, including the anterior and posterior ones. Even within those, the techniques substantially differ. While some surgical modalities have been well-established, a few have eventually fallen out of favor. Recently, new minimally invasive techniques have been added to treat CVJ pathologies. Despite these developments, the ideal treatment is still farfetched. Controversies revolve around the following aspects while addressing a CVJ entity and its management: optimal management plan in patients at extremes of age, choosing the right operative approach, fixing atlantoaxial joints or a mere decompression of the foramen magnum in cases with Chiari malformation with no apparent instability, and determining the adequacy of the level of instrumentation in such patients. At times, it even remains a dilemma as to whether an intervention is required in asymptomatic patients.
This special issue by encouraging submissions (original articles, reviews, and informative case reports) is intended to provide insight on the following topics of craniovertebral junction:
1. Historical perspectives, anatomical studies and diagnostic aspects.
2. Understanding the pathophysiology, and novel concepts
3. Decision-making/ management algorithms on the management strategies.
4. Outcomes related to the established and newer surgical techniques
5. Descriptive studies/outcomes of the spectrum of CVJ pathology: congenital, trauma, infections, inflammation, tumors and degeneration.
Keywords: Atlantoaxial, Chiari, basilar invagination, craniovertebral, atlas, axis, C1, C2
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.