Atlanto-axial instability in children with Down syndrome.
One hundred fifty-eight patients with Down syndrome underwent roentgenologic examinations of the cervical spine in neutral position, in hyperflexion, and in hyperextension. Fifteen children with Down syndrome were found to have a distance between the joint surfaces of 5 mm and more. The majority of these children were asymptomatic, one child displayed hyperactive deep tendon reflexes and two children were symptomatic and underwent surgery.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001368:Axis, Cervical Vertebra / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D001270:Cervical Atlas / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004314:Down Syndrome / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008297:Male; D011859:Radiography; D012026:Reflex, Stretch