Non-traumatic atlanto-axial subluxation in an 8-year-old child.
An 8-year-old child with a previous history of neonatal retropharyngeal abscess presented with a 6-month history of progressive quadriparesis. Investigations demonstrated atlanto-axial subluxation with anterior displacement of the odontoid peg to a position anterior to the vertebral body of C2. Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed severe neural compression at this level. The child was placed in a halo fixation device and underwent transoral removal of the odontoid peg together with the upper part of the body of C2. At a subsequent procedure a posterior occipito-cervical fusion was performed. The aetiology and management of this case are discussed.
O'Neill
P
P
Department of Neurosurgery, Mater Private Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.
D001268:Atlanto-Axial Joint / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D002648:Child; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D009460:Neurologic Examination; D009809:Odontoid Process / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D013117:Spinal Cord Compression / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D013123:Spinal Fusion; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed