Degenerative changes in the cervical spine in Down's syndrome.
It is well established that there is an increased frequency of atlanto-axial instability in Down's syndrome. In two out of the 27 patients with Down's syndrome who were examined, there was an atlanto-axial dislocation, but without any corresponding neurological symptoms. However, scrutiny of the X-rays revealed many cases with marked degenerative changes, particularly in the upper part of the cervical spine. The degenerative changes in Down's syndrome patients were compared with those in age- and sex-matched patients examined because of cervicalgia. Patients examined because of acute neck traumatas constituted a second control group. The results indicate that there is a significant increase in degenerative changes in the upper part of the cervical spine in Down's syndrome.
Tangerud
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Department of Radiology, Trondheim University Hospital, Norway.
Hestnes
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A
Sand
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T
Sunndalsfoll
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S
D000328:Adult; D001268:Atlanto-Axial Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D004314:Down Syndrome / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D013128:Spinal Osteophytosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*