title: Diagnosis of acute atlanto-axial rotatory fixation.
abstract: We report three cases of atlanto-axial rotatory fixation in adults. Early diagnosis was made by clinical tests showing restricted head rotation in maximal neck flexion and asymmetry of the transverse processes of the atlas, confirmed by cineradiography. Early treatment by traction may obviate long-term problems of torticollis and instability.
authors.affiliation: Orthopaedic Department, University of Leuven, Pellenberg, Belgium.
authors.forename: E M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Van Holsbeeck
authors.forename: N N
authors.initials: NN
authors.lastname: MacKay
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001268:Atlanto-Axial Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography