Illustration demonstrating the forward subluxation of the atlas on the axis, pannus formation around the odontoid process, and osseous erosions. There is severe compression of the spinal cord between the pannus anteriorly and the arch of the atlas posteriorly.
From: Boden SD, Dodge LD, Bohlman HH, Rechtine GR. Rheumatoid arthritis of the cervical spine. A long-term analysis with predictors of paralysis and recovery. J Bone Joint Surg Am 1993; 75(9):1282-97.
http://journals.lww.com/jbjsjournal/pages/default.aspx. Copyright © 1993 The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Inc. Reproduced with permission from Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Unauthorized reproduction of this material is prohibited.
