Atlantoaxial joint: Atlantoaxial joint injection and radiofrequency ablation

Abstract

Cervicogenic headache is referred pain from cervical structures innervated by the upper three cervical spinal nerves. The lateral atlantoaxial joint is innervated by the C2 ventral ramus. It is a fairly common cause of cervicogenic headache as it may account for up to 16 % of patients with occipital headache. Distending the lateral atlantoaxial joint with contrast agent in human volunteers produces occipital pain, and injection of local anesthetic into the joint relieves the headache.