Update on Upper Cervical Injury Classifications: The New AO Upper Cervical Spine Classification System

Alexander R. Vaccaro, Brian A. Karamian*, Hannah A. Levy, Jose A. Canseco, Shanmuganathan Rajasekaran, Lorin M. Benneker, F. Cumhur Oner, Frank Kandziora, Klaus J. Schnake, Christopher K. Kepler, Gregory D. Schroeder

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

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Abstract

The upper cervical spine accounts for the largest proportion of cervical range of motion afforded by a complex system of bony morphology and ligamentous stability. Its unique anatomy, however, also makes it particularly vulnerable during both low and high energy trauma. Trauma to this area, referred to as upper cervical spine trauma, can disrupt the stability of the upper cervical spine and result in a wide spectrum of injury. Numerous upper cervical injury classification systems have been proposed, each of which have distinct limitations and drawbacks that have prevented their universal adoption. In this article, we provide an overview of previous classifications, with an emphasis on the development of the new AO Spine Upper Cervical Classification System (AO Spine UCCS).

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)249-255
Number of pages7
JournalClinical Spine Surgery
Volume35
Issue number6
Early online date7 Jul 2021
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jul 2022

Keywords

  • AO Spine
  • fracture classification
  • trauma
  • upper cervical spine
  • Spinal Diseases
  • Humans
  • Range of Motion, Articular
  • Cervical Vertebrae/diagnostic imaging
  • Spinal Injuries/diagnostic imaging
  • Ligaments

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