Atlantoaxial subluxation in children is usually serious and requires prompt medical attention.
Atlantoaxial vertebrae are the first and second cervical vertebrae, and a subluxation can cause neck pain and limitation of cervical movement in mild cases, or even paralysis if it compresses the spinal cord in severe cases.
Atlantoaxial subluxation can be treated conservatively, such as traction therapy or wearing a neck brace, with regular checkups to wait for its self-healing. For severe atlantoaxial subluxation, nerve compression symptoms occur, and if surgery is allowed, surgical treatment (e.g., atlantoaxial restoration, fixation, and fusion) is required. A minor subluxation that is left untreated may become a major subluxation, with the possibility of paralysis.
Atlantoaxial dislocation, must be promptly to the hospital, neck immobilization, to prevent the child cervical spine activities such as complete dislocation, resulting in paralysis or death. The specific treatment needs to be taken differently depending on the patient’s condition.