Cervical fusion as a protective response to craniovertebral junction instability: A novel concept

Abstract

The author reviews the various types of cervical fusion that are associated with instability of the craniovertebral junction. Assimilation of the atlas, C2–3 fusion, the Klippel-Feil abnormality, and pancervical fusion are amongst the more common types of bone abnormalities. It is conceptualised that these types of cervical fusion are not related to any kind of embryological dysgenesis or fault, but instead emerge due to longstanding muscle spasms of the neck in response to atlantoaxial instability. Such bone fusions could be secondary protective responses to longstanding atlantoaxial instability.