title: Three-dimensional spiral CT scanning in children with acute torticollis.
abstract: Three-dimensional spiral CT scanning is now becoming a common investigation in children who have a history of acute torticollis. In the last year, 21 consecutive children who came to our unit with a history of acute torticollis were assessed using standard plain radiographs and a 3-dimensional spiral CT scan. Ten patients had a history of recent trauma. Spiral CT scanning revealed that 13 children had atlanto-axial rotatory subluxation (AARS). Plain radiographs had only a sensitivity of 33% and specificity of 71% in detecting AARS. Sixteen children were treated using a Halter traction. Four failed to resolve clinically and were put on a halo traction after 3-dimensional CT scanning again confirmed residual AARS. Two children remained symptomatic after halo traction, with persisting rotatory and anterior subluxation on repeat spiral CT. They both underwent a posterior in-situ fusion, with no attempt at open reduction. Plain radiography is limited in investigating acute torticollis in children. Spiral 3-dimensional CT reconstruction has an important role to play in both the investigation and management of children who present with acute torticollis.
authors: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin, Republic of Ireland.
authors: P
authors: P
authors: Nicholson
authors: T
authors: T
authors: Higgins
authors: E
authors: E
authors: Forgarty
authors: D
authors: D
authors: Moore
authors: F
authors: F
authors: Dowling
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*; D014103:Torticollis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy