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Degenerative changes in the cervical spine in Down's syndrome
A Tangerud1, A Hestnes, T Sand
1Department of Radiology, Trondheim University Hospital, Norway.
Journal of Mental Deficiency Research
|April 1, 1990
Summary
Individuals with Down syndrome exhibit a higher incidence of cervical spine degeneration. This study found significantly more upper cervical spine degenerative changes in Down syndrome patients compared to control groups.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Genetics
- Radiology
Background:
- Down syndrome is associated with an increased frequency of atlanto-axial instability.
- Atlanto-axial dislocation can occur in Down syndrome patients, sometimes without neurological symptoms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of degenerative changes in the upper cervical spine of patients with Down syndrome.
- To compare these degenerative changes with those found in control populations.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of X-rays from 27 patients with Down syndrome.
- Comparison with age- and sex-matched patients presenting with cervicalgia (neck pain).
- Inclusion of a second control group of patients with acute neck trauma.
Main Results:
- Two out of 27 Down syndrome patients had atlanto-axial dislocation.
- Significant degenerative changes were observed in the upper cervical spine of Down syndrome patients.
- Down syndrome patients showed a significantly higher prevalence of upper cervical spine degeneration compared to both control groups.
Conclusions:
- There is a significant increase in degenerative changes in the upper cervical spine in individuals with Down syndrome.
- These findings highlight the importance of monitoring cervical spine health in this population.