Traumatic atlantoaxial rotatory subluxation and dislocation.
METHODS
This is a retrospective single-patient case report with a literature review.


OBJECTIVE
To report on a neurologically intact adult with bilateral traumatic atlantoaxial rotatory subluxation/dislocation and associated facet fracture, and present a review of the literature.


BACKGROUND
Unilateral rotatory dislocation is relatively common at the atlantoaxial articulation. On the contrary, atlantoaxial rotatory subluxation with bilateral facet dislocation is uncommon, particularly in adults. Periodic reports have appeared in the literature regarding this entity in children, but only two previous citations have involved adults.


METHODS
The patient was followed-up through personal examination and chart review from initial presentation to 5 months after discharge.


RESULTS
Closed reduction with cervical traction was followed by surgical fusion with stable repair and no neurologic deficits over 5 months follow-up.


CONCLUSIONS
Traumatic bilateral atlantoaxial rotatory subluxation is uncommon in adults. This probably is due to the unique biomechanical features of the atlantoaxial articulation and the probable lethality of injury to the adjacent medulla or vertebral arteries before presentation at the trauma center.
Moore
K R
KR
Division of Neurosurgery, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland, USA.
Frank
E H
EH
D000063:Accidents, Traffic; D000368:Aged; D001268:Atlanto-Axial Joint / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000293:injuries*; D006801:Humans; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000601:surgery*; D013123:Spinal Fusion