Published in:
Open Access 01-12-2012 | Case report
Traumatic atlantoaxial rotatory subluxation in an adolescent: a case report
Published in: Journal of Medical Case Reports | Issue 1/2012
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Introduction
Atlantoaxial rotatory subluxation is rarely caused by trauma in adults. Usually, the treatment of choice is traction using Halo/Gardner-Wells fixation devices for up to six weeks.
Case presentation
We present the case of a 19-year-old Caucasian woman with traumatic atlantoaxial subluxation. Early reduction three hours after trauma and immobilization using only a soft collar were performed and yielded very good clinical results.
Conclusion
In the adult population, atlantoaxial subluxation is a rare condition but is severe if untreated. Early treatment implies a non-surgical approach and a good outcome. Conservative treatment is the recommended first step for this condition.