Atlantoaxial subluxation as an early manifestation in an adolescent with undifferentiated spondyloarthritis: a case report and review of the literature
2011

Atlantoaxial Subluxation in an Adolescent with Undifferentiated Spondyloarthritis

publication Evidence: low

Author Information

Author(s): Eyal Muscal, Satyan Krishna, Andrew Jea

Primary Institution: Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital

Hypothesis

Can atlantoaxial subluxation be an early manifestation of undifferentiated spondyloarthritis in adolescents?

Conclusion

Atlantoaxial instability may be an early manifestation of spondyloarthritis in children and adolescents, and it is treatable through surgical intervention and immunomodulation.

Supporting Evidence

  • Atlantoaxial instability has been reported as a first sign in juvenile ankylosing spondylitis.
  • Imaging studies showed evidence of bony erosion and instability.
  • Surgical intervention led to symptom relief and improved neurological status.

Takeaway

A girl with neck pain had a serious condition called atlantoaxial subluxation, which is when the top two bones in the neck are unstable. Doctors fixed it with surgery and medicine.

Methodology

The case report details the clinical evaluation, imaging studies, surgical intervention, and post-operative management of a 17-year-old patient.

Limitations

The study is based on a single case report, limiting generalizability.

Participant Demographics

17-year-old Hispanic female.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1752-1947-5-275

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