J Korean Soc Spine Surg.  2012 Jun;19(2):59-63. 10.4184/jkss.2012.19.2.59.

Non-traumatic Atlanto-axial Rotatory Subluxation: A Case Report

• Park HJ
• Kwon KY
• Kim WK
• Shim YJ
• Kwon SM

• KMID: 2209557
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4184/jkss.2012.19.2.59

Abstract

STUDY DESIGN: A case report.
OBJECTIVES
To report a case of diagnostic, clinical and radiologic follow-up of a non-traumatic atlanto-axial rotatory subluxation. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Atlanto-axial rotatory subluxation, caused by a non-traumatic inflammation or infectious diseases, has been branded as "Grisel's syndrome". However, the pathophysiology of the syndrome has not been clearly understood, and its diagnostic criteria and appropriate treatment plans are not established.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The patient suffering from antlanto-axial subluxation without any neurological symptoms was treated with halter traction and Miami J brace.
RESULTS
The patient maintained a normal reduction state, and a normal cervical movement was observed after undergoing 4 weeks of non-surgical treatment.
CONCLUSION
Early detection and treatment are essential and critical in avoiding catastrophic outcomes. It requires a combination of clinical assessment and appropriate radiographic imaging.

Keyword

Cervical spine; Atlanto-axial rotatory subluxation; Grisel's syndrome

MeSH Terms

Communicable Diseases
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Inflammation
Stress, Psychological
Traction