Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 11, 2026
09:24
A Novel Vertebral Stabilization Method for Producing Contusive Spinal Cord Injury
Published on: January 5, 2015
Trauma in congenital atlanto-axial dislocation
S N Bhagwati1, C E Deopujari, G D Parulekar
1Department of Neurosurgery, Bombay Hospital Institute of Medical Sciences, Mumbai, India.
Summary
Trauma can acutely worsen congenital atlanto-axial dislocation (AAD) in children, causing paralysis. Surgical interventions like traction, fixation, and decompression offer treatment options, with outcomes depending on initial neurological status.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurosurgery
- Spinal Deformities
- Congenital Abnormalities
Background:
- Congenital atlanto-axial dislocation (AAD) typically causes progressive cervico-medullary compression.
- Minor trauma can precipitate acute AAD, leading to quadriplegia and respiratory compromise.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the impact of trauma on congenital AAD in children.
- To evaluate treatment strategies and outcomes for traumatic AAD in pediatric patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 60 children with congenital AAD, focusing on 15 cases associated with trauma.
- Analysis of surgical interventions including skull traction, sublaminar wiring, occiput-to-C2 wiring, Hartshill loop, and posterior decompression.
- Assessment of outcomes based on the degree of neurological deficit.
Main Results:
- Trauma triggered acute AAD manifestations in 8 children (6 mobile, 2 fixed AAD).
- Three children experienced respiratory distress requiring ventilatory support; one died.
- Surgical outcomes varied, with successful reduction and fusion in some mobile AAD cases and decompression in fixed AAD.
- Overall results were contingent upon the initial neurological deficit severity.
Conclusions:
- Trauma is a significant factor in the acute presentation of congenital AAD in children.
- Diverse surgical techniques are employed, with outcomes closely linked to pre-treatment neurological status.
- Prompt management and appropriate surgical intervention are crucial for improving outcomes in pediatric AAD.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:28Articulations of the Vertebral Column
In addition to being held together by the intervertebral discs, adjacent vertebrae also articulate with each other at synovial joints formed between the superior and inferior articular processes called zygapophysial joints (facet joints). These are plane joints that provide for only limited motions between the vertebrae. The orientation of the articular processes at these joints varies in different regions of the vertebral column and serves to determine the types of motions available in each...
01:28Traumatic Brain Injury l: Introduction
DefinitionTraumatic brain injury, or TBI, is a disturbance of normal brain function induced by an external mechanical force, such as a direct blow to the head or a penetrating injury. It can affect both brain structure and function, producing a wide range of clinical outcomes. TBI is a heterogeneous condition, meaning its effects may differ based on the type, location, and severity of the injury.Basis of ClassificationTBI is classified based on severity, injury mechanism, or pathophysiology. In...
01:14Spinal Cord Injury ll: Pathophysiology
Spinal cord injury progresses through two interconnected phases: primary injury and secondary injury.Primary InjuryPrimary injury happens at the moment of trauma and involves immediate mechanical damage to the spinal cord.Compression happens when broken vertebrae, herniated discs, or accumulating blood (such as a hematoma) press directly against the spinal cord, distorting its normal shape and function. In cases of contusion, the cord is bruised by a blunt force (like penetrating injuries or...