Alar Ligament Test

The alar ligaments, located in the upper cervical spine, connect the dens (part of the C2 vertebra) to the occipital bone. They maintain upper cervical stability by limiting excessive rotation and side-bending movements of the head, ensuring controlled and safe neck motion.

Our Alar Ligament Test template involves three clinical tests: the rotation stress test, side-bending stress test, and lateral shear test. These tests assess the ligament’s integrity by evaluating the movement at the upper cervical spine. For example, laxity in the left alar ligament may present as excessive motion when the head is rotated to the right.

Mild alar ligament injuries may heal over time with conservative treatment, such as physical therapy and rest. Severe injuries, however, can lead to chronic instability, requiring a more extensive rehabilitation program or, in rare cases, surgical intervention to restore proper neck function and stability.