title: Atlantoaxial rotary deformities.
abstract: Persistent torticollis in younger patients, particularly after trivial trauma or an upper respiratory tract infection, suggests a diagnosis of atlantoaxial rotary fixation. The diagnosis can be confirmed by cineroentgenography. Anterior displacement of the atlas, indicating a deficient transverse ligament, should be ruled out by flexion-extension lateral roentgenograms. If conservative management fails to achieve reduction or is followed by a recurrence of the deformity, arthrodesis is indicated.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001174:Arthrodesis; D001368:Axis, Cervical Vertebra / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D001270:Cervical Atlas / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D002648:Child; D002933:Cineradiography; D006801:Humans; D008022:Ligaments / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D014103:Torticollis / Q000151:congenital* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology; D014143:Traction