Sequelae of atlantoaxial stabilization in two patients with Down's syndrome

Two patients with Down's syndrome and associated atlantoaxial instability with a chronically narrow spinal canal at C1-2 underwent surgical procedures in which the lesion was manipulated and posterior wiring and fusion were done. Both patients developed quadriplegia from the surgery. The author...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:	Spine (Philadelphia, Pa. 1976) Vol. 6; no. 5; p. 437
Main Authors:	Nordt, J C, Stauffer, E S
Format:	Journal Article
Language:	English
Published:	United States 01-09-1981
Subjects:	Adult Axis, Cervical Vertebra - abnormalities Axis, Cervical Vertebra - surgery Cervical Atlas - abnormalities Cervical Atlas - surgery Down Syndrome - complications Humans Joint Dislocations - surgery Male Middle Aged Postoperative Complications Quadriplegia - etiology Spinal Fusion - adverse effects Traction
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Summary:	Two patients with Down's syndrome and associated atlantoaxial instability with a chronically narrow spinal canal at C1-2 underwent surgical procedures in which the lesion was manipulated and posterior wiring and fusion were done. Both patients developed quadriplegia from the surgery. The authors recommend preoperative traction to reduce the deformity, then surgery with the traction maintained as a method to avoid this complication. Further, if reduction does not occur with traction, onlay grafting is recommended, avoiding any sublaminar wiring.
ISSN:	0362-2436
DOI:	10.1097/00007632-198109000-00003