Case Report: Atlantoaxial Subluxation

Abstract

Rotational atlantoaxial subluxations are more common in pediatrics. It is associated with post-traumatic (the incidence of cervical spinal trauma varies between 1% and 4% of all pediatric traumas )(1), rheumatoid arthritis and respiratory tract infection (Grisel syndrome). Cock-Robin head position (57%) (20 degrees lateral flexion, 20 degrees rotation, 10 degrees flexion) is frequently seen. Neck pain (67%) and neck stiffness (53%) are other common presenting symptoms (2) . Fielding&Hawkins classification is used to classify rotational trauma.According to Fielding&Hawkins classification, type 1 traumas are treated with soft collars, NSAIDs and muscle relaxants. In this case report, we aimed to present the clinical symptoms, diagnosis, imaging and treatment of rotational attoaxial subluxation in a pediatric age group patient who came to the emergency department after trauma with cock-robin head posture.