Atlantoaxial rotatory dislocation

The atlantoaxial rotatory fixation (AARF) and the atlantoaxial rotatory subluxation (AARS) are the most frequent manifestations of atlantoaxial rotatory dislocation (AARD) in children, and conservative treatment has proved to be suitable in many cases, considering the pathological features of these type of injuries. In literature, there is no agreement on the treatment modalities and the timing of conservative treatment.

MRI with STIR sequences appears to be useful in addressing the duration of conservative treatment in AARD 1).

1)
Landi A, Pietrantonio A, Marotta N, Mancarella C, Delfini R. Atlantoaxial rotatory dislocation (AARD) in pediatric age: MRI study on conservative treatment with Philadelphia collar–experience of nine consecutive cases. Eur Spine J. 2012 May;21 Suppl 1:S94-9. doi: 10.1007/s00586-012-2216-0. Epub 2012 Mar 13. PubMed PMID: 22411035; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC3325387.