Craniocervical Junction Disorders

In one kind of CV junction disorder, the odontoid process is out of normal position, compressing the brainstem from the front.

Spine disorders may occur in the area where the skull base and upper cervical spine vertebra come together — a region called the craniocervical junction. The craniocervical junction is made up of the occipital bone (the bone that forms the base of the skull) and the first two bones in the upper spine. These are located in the neck and are called the atlas and axis.

The large opening at the bottom of the occipital bone is called the foramen magnum. Important structures pass through this opening, including the lowest part of the brain (brain stem), which connects to the spine, along with some nerves and blood vessels. Because the brain stem controls most of the body’s vital functions, disorders here can result in serious neurological problems.

Craniocervical junction disorders may also be referred to as upper cervical disorders or craniovertebral (CV) junction disorders.

Craniocervical junction disorders may be caused by:

  • Bones that have fused incorrectly
  • Tumors, primary or metastatic eroding structures in this region
  • Rheumatoid arthritis or other conditions causing a pannus
  • Previous skull or spine surgery weakening this region such as Chiari decompression
  • Bones that have been fractured from serious trauma
  • Ligamentous injury from trauma causing alignment of strength deficits
  • Ligamentous injury from a collagen disorder such as Ehlers-Danlos or Down syndrome

Disorders that affect the craniocervical junction can put pressure on the spinal cord, brain or cranial nerves, causing paralysis, weakness and loss of sensation.

What Causes Craniocervical Junction Disorders?

Some craniocervical junction disorders are congenital, which means they are present at birth. Some of these disorders — called isolated disorders — affect only the craniocervical junction. Craniocervical junction disorders can also be the result of conditions that affect many other parts of the body, such as achondroplasia (a genetic condition that affects bone growth) and Down syndrome.  Many patients with craniocervical issues have congenital issues with Collagen production or integrity meaning the MRI scans can look ok but there is excess movement of the bones which can impact upon the nerve or brainstem with motion. Ehlers Danlos Syndrome is a major disorder in which collagen strength is diminished leading to hypermobility in many joints including the craniocervical junction.

Craniocervical junction disorders may also occur later in life. They can result from injuries, such as a motor vehicle or bicycle accident, falls or diving. Conditions that can also cause craniocervical junction disorders later in life include:

  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Paget’s disease
  • Tumors (growth) that form in the craniocervical junction

Be sure to read these two amazing patient stories:

Our Mighty Little Giant: Bethany’s story
An Emotional Marathon: Caleb’s story

Our Care Team

  • Vice Chair for Academic Affairs
  • Professor of Neurological Surgery, Pediatric Neurosurgery
  • Associate Residency Director
Phone: 212-746-2363
  • Hansen-MacDonald Professor of Neurological Surgery
  • Director of Spinal Surgery
Phone: 212-746-2152
  • Orthopedic Surgeon
  • Director, Orthopedic Spine Surgery
Phone: 212-746-1164
  • Assistant Professor of Neurological Surgery
Phone: 646-962-3388
  • Assistant Professor, Neurosurgery 
Phone: (888) 922-2257

Reviewed by: Jeffrey Greenfield, MD, PhD
Last reviewed/last updated: March 2022
Illustration by Matthew Holt

Weill Cornell Medicine Neurological Surgery 525 East 68 Street, Box 99 New York, NY 10065 Phone: 866-426-7787