Indicators of Spinal Instability
- Atlanto-occipital translocationmore than1mm
- Apex of dens to basionmore than5mm
- Anterior translation of cervical vertebraemore than3.5mm
- Flexion at any one levelmore than11o
- Facet joint subluxationmore than50%
- Atlanto dens intervalmore than3mm (adult) 5mm (child) indicates rupture of transverse ligament
- Lateral mass displacement of C1 on C2more than7mm in Jefferson fracture indicates rupture of transverse ligament
