Transverse Ligament Stress Test | Rationale & Interpretation

The video tutorial explains the transverse cervical ligament's role in connecting the Atlas (C1) to the Axis (C2) and preventing excessive anterior translation. Damage to this ligament can lead to spinal cord compression, especially in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and Marfan syndrome. The transverse ligament stress test is a provocative test used to assess the ligament's integrity. The procedure involves positioning the patient supine and using specific finger placements to detect abnormal movements. A positive test is indicated by symptoms such as abnormal pupil response, dizziness, or muscle spasms, with high specificity but moderate sensitivity.

What conditions are associated with damage to the transverse cervical ligament?

Explain the significance of the sensitivity and specificity of the transverse ligament stress test.