Unusual Upper Cervical Spine Disorder and Non-traumatic Atlantoaxial Rotatory Fixation in an Adult: A Case Report
2024

Rare Case of Non-Traumatic Atlantoaxial Rotatory Fixation in an Adult

Sample size: 1 publication Evidence: low

Author Information

Author(s): Muacevic Alexander, Adler John R, Kamakura Fuminori, Shimizu Shota, Shigenobu Keisuke, Yasuda Gaku, Ishigaki Yoshimasa, Goto Satoshi

Primary Institution: Fujimi-Kogen Hospital

Hypothesis

Non-traumatic atlantoaxial rotatory fixation (AARF) should be considered as a new differential diagnosis for torticollis in adults.

Conclusion

The patient with non-traumatic AARF improved significantly with conservative treatment and regained full neck mobility.

Supporting Evidence

  • The patient exhibited a characteristic torticollis neck posture.
  • CT revealed that the atlas was rotated to the right in relation to the axis.
  • Conservative treatment led to full recovery without complications.

Takeaway

A woman had a rare neck problem that made it hard for her to move her head, but after wearing a special collar for a month, she got better.

Methodology

The patient was diagnosed using CT and MRI, and treated conservatively with a soft neck collar.

Limitations

The follow-up period was only four weeks, which may not capture long-term outcomes.

Participant Demographics

25-year-old female office worker.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.7759/cureus.75051

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