J Korean Acad Rehabil Med.  2008 Apr;32(2):230-233.

Cervical Myelopathy from Atlantoaxial Instability in a Child with Down Syndrome and Cerebral Palsy: A case report

• Kim MY
• Kim SH

Abstract

The development of nontraumatic atlantoaxial instability in children with Down syndrome has been well documented. Even though the incidence of symptomatic myelopathy from atlantoaxial instability is quite low, early recognition has tremendous significance to reduce the chance of progressing into life threatening conditions. Recently we experienced a case with atlantoaxial instability in a Down syndrome patient who was also diagnosed as cerebral palsy and subsequently in a quadriplegic state. Since neurologic changes from cord compression are difficult to recognize in this kind of complicated case, special attention should be paid to prevent catastrophic events.

Keyword

Down syndrome; Atlantoaxial joint; Cerebral palsy

MeSH Terms

Atlanto-Axial Joint
Cerebral Palsy
Child
Down Syndrome
Humans
Incidence
Spinal Cord Diseases