title: Chronic atlanto-axial dislocation with spontaneous bony fusion.
abstract: A case of long standing atlanto-axial subluxation following relatively minor trauma is reported. Progressive development of pain and spastic quadriparesis led to clinical and radiological investigation at Groote Schuur Hospital which revealed a spontaneous fusion of C1 and C2 with marked compromise of the spinal cord. The possibility of a pre-existing unfused odontoid process (os odontoideum) is discussed. A brief review of the literature is presented.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Groote Schuur Hospital/University of Cape Town, South Africa.
authors.forename: N G
authors.initials: NG
authors.lastname: Heselson
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Marus
mesh_terms: D001268:Atlanto-Axial Joint / Q000293:injuries* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D013122:Spinal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology; D013997:Time Factors