The upper cervical spine with its two bone segments is the most complicated and vulnerable region of the human spinal column, making it a target for a number of arthritic disorders. Dr. Randy Chesnut, professor of neurological and orthopaedic surgery at the University of Washington, presents the results of intriguing research investigating the fate of patients who have not had surgical intervention and those have. This topic is further examined by Dr. Alan Crockard, a consultant neurosurgeon based in London, and Dr. Rick Sasso, associate professor of orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Indiana. (Series: Sixth Annual Harborview Spine Symposium: Arthritic Disorders of the Spine)