J Korean Acad Rehabil Med.  2000 Aug;24(4):803-808.

Quadriplegia and Dyspnea Caused by Os Odontoideum in a Down Syndrome Patient: A case report

• Suh J
• Park JH
• Jung KH
• Joa KH

Abstract

Os odontoideum is a rare anomaly of the second cervical vertebrae, which is a separated ossicle from the body of the axis. This abnormality of the odontoid process can result in an atlanto-axial instability & subsequent cervical cord compression. In spite of the high prevalence of atlanto-axial instability due to the ligamentous laxity of atlanto-axial joint, the frequency of neurologic symptoms is relatively low in the patient of the Down syndrome. The asymptomatic atlanto-axial instability by trauma may progress to Os odontoideum in Down syndrome population and may cause cervical cord compression. Therefore, early recognition and an appropriate management of patients with atlanto-axial instability can significantly reduce the morbidity and mortality. We report a case of Os odontoideum in a child with Down syndrome, who had an atlanto-axial instability which resulted in the cervical cord compression.

Keyword

Os odontoideum; Down syndrome; Atlanto-axial instability

MeSH Terms

Atlanto-Axial Joint
Axis, Cervical Vertebra
Cervical Vertebrae
Child
Down Syndrome*
Dyspnea*
Female
Humans
Ligaments
Mortality
Neurologic Manifestations
Odontoid Process
Prevalence
Quadriplegia*