Atlantoaxial rotatory subluxation presenting as acute torticollis after mild trauma.

Authors

Megan R. Greenberg BS, Lehigh Valley Health NetworkFollow
Jason L. Forgeon MD, Lehigh Valley Health NetworkFollow
Lisa Kurth MD, Lehigh Valley Health NetworkFollow
Robert D. Barraco MD, MPH, Lehigh Valley Health NetworkFollow
Pratik M. Parikh DO, Lehigh Valley Health NetworkFollow

Publication/Presentation Date

11-1-2020

Abstract

Atlantoaxial rotatory subluxation (AARS) is a rare outcome of trauma in adults. We present a case of a 38-year-old female who presented with neck pain and stiffness after a mild trauma. On exam the patient had a "cock-robin" position, comparable to acute torticollis. Computerized tomography demonstrated findings consistent with AARS. Reduction was performed in the emergency department and the patient had no further neurological sequelae. Recognition of AARS after trauma requires a high index of suspicion and early diagnosis is important to best patient outcomes.

Volume

15

Issue

11

First Page

2112

Last Page

2115

ISSN

1930-0433

Published In/Presented At

Greenberg, M. R., Forgeon, J. L., Kurth, L. M., Barraco, R. D., & Parikh, P. M. (2020). Atlantoaxial rotatory subluxation presenting as acute torticollis after mild trauma. Radiology case reports, 15(11), 2112–2115. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radcr.2020.08.028

Disciplines

Medical Education | Medicine and Health Sciences

PubMedID

32952749

Department(s)

Department of Emergency Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine Residents, Department of Surgery, Department of Surgery Faculty, Department of Surgery Residents, Fellows and Residents, USF-LVHN SELECT Program, USF-LVHN SELECT Program Faculty, USF-LVHN SELECT Program Students

Document Type

Article