Radiological Improvements in Symmetry of the Lateral Atlantodental Interval and in C1 Tilt After the Application of the Atlasprofilax Method. A Case Series.

We present the case of 4 subjects exhibiting asymmetry of the lateral atlantodental interval (within the accepted standard ranges of normal asymmetry) on open mouth x-ray examination. The asymmetry was clearly ameliorated after the Atlasprofilax procedure. Improvements in atlas tilt and axis spinous process deviation also were demonstrated. We discuss the preliminary validity of the Atlasprofilax non-invasive approach for treating such conditions and whether the debate on commonly accepted asymmetry in the lateral atlantodental interval should remain open and be further investigated. We further ask if such a lateral atlantodental interval asymmetry could probably be a pre-manifestation or subclinical pathomechanic condition that could underly some clinical conditions. Asymmetry in lateral atlantodental interval or odontoid-lateral mass interspaces through x-ray examination often has been found in healthy and unhealthy subjects and is associated with atlantoaxial rotatory subluxation. Its clinical relevance remains a controversial subject. Some authors affirm that this asymmetry is a normal variant. Other authors point out that such asymmetry could be considered a manifestation of pathological rotatory conditions of atlas and axis consistent with atlantoaxial rotatory subluxation and possibly lead to musculoskeletal disorders and related chronic pain ailments. X-rays provide information only on bony structures and do not visualize soft tissue structures such as suboccipital muscles and fascia. Therefore, open mouth x-rays alone may not be sufficient to determine a radiological pathological condition specially one that is not yet presenting clinical symptoms because soft tissue alterations in this region are not visualized on x-ray. Several x-ray protocols and studies have been performed on this craniocervical segment with different results and interpretations. In this case series, we examine changes in the asymmetry of the lateral atlantodental interval, atlas vertebra tilt and axis spinous process deviation before and after application of the Atlasprofilax method in four patients. This method focuses on mechanotransduction through vibropressure on soft structures of the craniocervical joint, targeting deep cervical fascia, suboccipital muscles and cartilage. The aim is to restore normal structural and metabolic patterns in the extracellular matrix. This also would imply changes in chondrocytes, telocytes, and fibroblasts through a piezoresistive effect. This effect could lead to amelioration of connective tissue alterations in the craniocervical junction involving collagen synthesis, hyaluronic acid and abnormal patterns in fibroblasts and in the microvacuolar fascia. These changes ultimately could result in an improvement in the lateral atlantodental interval and craniocervical joint position.