It is the lateral head tilt, not head rotation, causing an asymmetry of the odontoid-lateral mass interspace

Guenkel, S; Scheyerer, M J; Osterhoff, G; Wanner, G A; Simmen, H-P; Werner, C M L

doi:10.1007/s00068-015-0602-0

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Guenkel, S., Scheyerer, M. J., Osterhoff, G., Wanner, G. A., Simmen, H.-P., & Werner, C. M. L. (2016). It is the lateral head tilt, not head rotation, causing an asymmetry of the odontoid-lateral mass interspace. European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery, 42, 749–754. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00068-015-0602-0

Abstract

OBJECTIVE Asymmetry in odontoid-lateral mass interspace in trauma patients is a common finding that regularly leads to additional diagnostic work-up, since its dignity is not entirely clear. There is little evidence in the literature that atlantoaxial asymmetry is associated with C1-C2 instability or (sub) luxation. Asymmetry in odontoid-lateral mass interspace seems to occur occasionally in healthy individuals and patients suffering a cervical spine injury. Congenital abnormalities in odontoid-lateral mass asymmetry may mimic an atl