Atlantoaxial dislocation as the presenting symptom of ankylosing spondylitis

Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 1993 Nov;18(15):2344-6. doi: 10.1097/00007632-199311000-00037.

Abstract

A 27-year-old woman presented with nontraumatic atlantoaxial dislocation that required a C1-C2 fusion. A comprehensive investigation initially failed to reveal any evidence of infectious or rheumatologic disease and she remained well for 3 1/2 years, at which time a diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis was established. There are no other similar cases reported in the medical literature. When dealing with a patient who has experienced a spontaneous atlantoaxial dislocation, a thorough assessment looking for an underlying infectious or inflammatory etiology is mandatory. Furthermore, the authors recommend that any patient who has negative investigations be followed long-term; an underlying covert inflammatory cause may only become evident after significant delay.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Atlanto-Axial Joint*
  • Axis, Cervical Vertebra / surgery
  • Cervical Atlas / surgery
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Joint Dislocations / etiology*
  • Joint Dislocations / surgery
  • Spinal Fusion
  • Spondylitis, Ankylosing / complications*
  • Spondylitis, Ankylosing / diagnosis
  • Spondylitis, Ankylosing / epidemiology
  • Time Factors