title: Atlantoaxial rotatory subluxation: realignment and discharge within 48 h.
abstract: Atlantoaxial rotatory fixation is a rare disorder in which the atlas gets fixed in a position normally achieved during rotation. Patients present with painful torticollis and a typical 'cock robin' position of the head: rotation, slight flexion and head tilting contralateral to the direction of rotation. During childhood, laxity of the ligamentous apparatus and joint cups allows a wider range of motion and rotation within these joints. Traumatic effects contribute to subluxation at relevant degree (Fiedling type 2 and higher) for which skeletal traction is necessary. Duration of skeletal traction can be reduced to a minimum (24 h), as seen in this patient, when diagnosis is set as early as possible.
authors.affiliation: Department of Paediatric Surgery and Emergency Medicine, Inselspital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Silke
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Maile
authors.forename: Theddy
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Slongo
mesh_terms: D001268:Atlanto-Axial Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D013124:Spinal Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000628:therapy; D013997:Time Factors; D036542:Tomography, Spiral Computed; D014103:Torticollis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000628:therapy; D014143:Traction