Are You Suffering From Atlanto-Axial Dislocation? Here Are The Things You Need To Know

In humans, the vertebrae are arranged from top to bottom as follows:

• Cervical spine: 7 vertebrae (C1-C7)
• Thoracic spine: 12 vertebrae (T1–T12)
• Lumbar spine: 5 vertebrae (L1–L5)

The C1 (atlas) and C2 (axial) are located at the top of the spine, just below the skull. The ligaments and blood vessels that pass from the spine to the brain are clustered together in the Atlas and Axial vertebras.

Atlanto-Axial Dislocation is when the C1 and C2 vertebrae in the neck become slightly misaligned or dislocated. Even though almost all of the vertebrae in the spine are similar in shape and function, the atlas and axis are distinct in appearance and function.

This is primarily responsible for –

• · Head rotation that allows your neck to turn left and right
• Protecting the spinal cord from injury

Unfortunately, the Atlanto-Axial complex is prone to injury because of its importance in movement.

What Causes Atlanto-Axial Dislocation?

Although C1-C2 Dislocation can affect people of all ages, it is most commonly seen in teenagers. The following are a few causes of Atlanto-Axial Dislocation:

• Sudden fall
• Road accidents and sports injury
• Automobile or a car accident
• Connective tissue genetic disorders
• Osteoporosis
• Chronic inflammatory condition of the joints
• Rheumatoid arthritis

Atlanto-Axial Dislocation, like any other injury or damage to your body, can occur at different levels, or the severity of injury damage can vary, resulting in different treatment options.

How Many People With Down Syndrome Are Affected By Atlanto-Axial Dislocation?

Atlanto-Axial Dislocation symptoms affect one or two out of every 100 children with Down syndrome, but the exact number is unknown. Adults with Down syndrome have a lower incidence of Atlanto-Axial Dislocation disorder.

How To Diagnose Atlanto-Axial Dislocation?

If you have symptoms of Atlanto-Axial Dislocation, Dr. Pramod Chaurasia surgeon will recommend a series of diagnostic tests and X-rays to confirm the condition and determine the severity of the Dislocation. The patient will be asked to get an X-ray first, and if the X-ray results are different than usual, the surgeon will ask for another imaging test, such as an MRI or CT scan.

X-ray imaging is used to examine the locations and connections of the first two vertebrae C1-C2.

How To Treat Atlanto-Axial Dislocation?

Atlanto-Axial Dislocation is a rare but dangerous condition that disproportionately affects certain patient groups. A variety of etiologies causes this dislocation, and the underlying causes or predisposing factors must be considered in order to maximize timely and effective treatment. Atlanto-Axial fusion can be accomplished using a wide range of anterior and posterior surgical techniques.

However, each technique has indications, contraindications, risks, and technical difficulties. Future prospective clinical trials will be required to better determine which surgical technique is best for which clinical presentation.

Summary

Atlanto-Axial Dislocation is usually asymptomatic, but it can cause severe neck pain, occipital headaches, and, on rare occasions, intermittent cervical spinal cord compression. So, if you are getting any of the symptoms, consult a Dr. Pramod Chaurasia today!