title: Preoperative evaluation of the cervical spine in children with trisomy-21: results of a questionnaire study.
abstract: Atlantoaxial subluxation (AAS) is a form of cervical spine instability predominantly found in persons with Trisomy-21. Several case reports describe the occurrence of acute AAS in the perioperative period. Some authors have recommended cervical spine radiographs prior to elective surgery in all children with Trisomy-21. The objective of this study was to determine practice patterns of North American members of the Society of Pediatric Anesthesia with regard to the perioperative evaluation and management of potential cervical spine instability in patients with Trisomy-21. Of 171 respondents, a minority of respondents (18%) obtain preoperative radiographs and/or subspecialty consultation (9%) in asymptomatic children with Trisomy-21. For symptomatic children the majority of respondents would obtain radiographs (64%) and/or preoperative consultation (74%). Approximately half of the respondents would attempt to maintain the head and neck in a neutral position for either asymptomatic (42%) or symptomatic (55%) patients. We conclude that the majority of respondents base their preoperative evaluation of the cervical spine on the signs and symptoms of the patient. This is supported by the literature reviewed, but is contrary to the recommendations made in some case reports.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anesthesiology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, New York 14642, USA.
authors.forename: R S
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Litman
authors.forename: B A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Zerngast
authors.forename: F M
authors.initials: FM
authors.lastname: Perkins
mesh_terms: D000768:Anesthesia, General; D000776:Anesthesiology; D001268:Atlanto-Axial Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D002648:Child; D003625:Data Collection; D004314:Down Syndrome / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D017558:Elective Surgical Procedures; D006801:Humans; D007430:Intraoperative Care; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D011300:Preoperative Care; D011859:Radiography; D012307:Risk Factors; D012955:Societies, Medical; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires