title: La maladie de Grisel: spontaneous atlantoaxial subluxation.
abstract: "La maladie de Grisel" (Grisel's syndrome) is a spontaneously occurring atlantoaxial subluxation with torticollis. We present a case of atlantoaxial subluxation occurring in a 20-year period of pharyngoplasty surgery. The occurrence of a "spontaneous" atlantoaxial subluxation after oral cavity or pharynx operations is rare. Because some neck pain and stiffness are commonly seen after these kinds of operations, we would like to draw attention to this unusual complication. Symptoms associated with a torticollis after an operation in the oral cavity or pharynx requires additional investigation to exclude this rare complication. A review of the available literature concerning etiology and treatment of la maladie de Grisel is presented.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic Surgery, University Hospital Groningen, The Netherlands. marcelfmeek@hotmail.com
authors.forename: M F
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Meek
authors.forename: R A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Hermens
authors.forename: P H
authors.initials: PH
authors.lastname: Robinson
mesh_terms: D001268:Atlanto-Axial Joint / Q000293:injuries*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000209:etiology*; D019547:Neck Pain / Q000209:etiology; D019647:Oral Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010614:Pharynx / Q000601:surgery*; D013124:Spinal Injuries / Q000209:etiology*; D013577:Syndrome; D014103:Torticollis / Q000209:etiology; D014681:Velopharyngeal Insufficiency / Q000601:surgery