title: Traumatic atlanto-axial subluxation.
abstract: Traumatic atlanto-axial subluxation is a rare injury which may not be revealed on routine radiographs, especially when there is muscle spasm. We report on seven patients with atlanto-axial subluxation as a result of neck injury; only two of them had significant head injuries. Three patients presented with a neurological deficit attributable to the injury, one immediate and two with delayed onset. Traumatic atlanto-axial instability, occurring in an otherwise healthy patient, has a potential for neurological disaster; early consideration of operative treatment is indicated.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, Republic of South Africa.
authors.forename: J D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: De Beer
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Thomas
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Walters
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Anderson
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001268:Atlanto-Axial Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D011859:Radiography