Atlantoaxial subluxation treated with exercise therapy combined with occipito-maxillary band traction: a case report

Atlantoaxial subluxation (AAS) is a potentially serious condition of the cervical spine. Traditional management often involves a choice between conservative methods, which can have high recurrence rates, and surgical fusion, which may lead to a loss of cervical mobility. This case report demonstrates a novel combined approach to treat intractable dizziness caused by AAS.This approach involves the use of combined exercise therapy and occipito-maxillary band traction therapy.

A 10-year-old male patient of Chinese ethnicity presented with persistent dizziness attributed to atlantoaxial subluxation. The treatment regimen consisted of exercise therapy combined with occipito-maxillary band traction. The therapeutic protocol involved initial joint reduction via traction, followed by a comprehensive exercise therapy designed to restore dynamic neuromuscular stability. Following this combined treatment, the patient's symptoms were completely resolved.

This case illustrates that a combination of occipito-maxillary band traction and comprehensive exercise therapy, which integrates mechanical reduction with functional neuromuscular remodeling, can be an effective treatment for mild to moderate AAS. This approach provides a viable therapeutic option, particularly for early intervention, when conventional conservative treatments are insufficient but surgery is not yet indicated.