[Posttraumatic atlantoaxial rotatory fixation in a child]

Traumatic atlantoaxial rotatory fixation is defined as low-energy mechanism injury resulting in fixed subluxation of the atlantoxial complex expressing oneself as a slight head flexion, lateral tilt of the head to one side, head rotation to the other side and painful limitation of motion that makes it impossible to turn head to the contralateral side voluntary. As a result of the rarity of the injury it is often neglected, treated improperly, treated for the duration, or it has permanent consequences. We present a case report of a 10-year-old patient treated in our department with acute traumatic atlantoaxial rotatory fixation. The diagnosis was made on the basis of synthesis of anamnestic data, clinical picture and static CT examination. The patient was successfully treated conservatively. In the discussion we present a brief look at the etiopathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of the injury. Its pathogenesis is still not fully understood. The most reliable diagnostic methods are dynamic X-ray and dynamic CT examinations. In our discussion, more is dedicated to clinical diagnostics, and static X-ray and CT examinations as a way likely to lead together with anamnestic data on the accident at the correct diagnosis even in the absence of acute dynamic CT or X-ray examinations. The treatment of acute traumatic atlantoaxial rotatory fixation is usually indicated for conservative treatment, with excellent results. Neglected cases generally require surgical intervention. Treatment of neglected atlantoaxial rotatory fixation is usually difficult and permanently distorting anatomical growing organism.