Quadriplegia and Dyspnea Caused by Os Odontoideum in a Down Syndrome Patient: A case report.
- Author:
Jung SUH
1
;
Joo Hyun PARK
;
Kyung Hee JUNG
;
Kyung Hee JOA
Author Information
1. Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea.
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Os odontoideum;
Down syndrome;
Atlanto-axial instability
- MeSH:
Atlanto-Axial Joint;
Axis, Cervical Vertebra;
Cervical Vertebrae;
Child;
Down Syndrome*;
Dyspnea*;
Female;
Humans;
Ligaments;
Mortality;
Neurologic Manifestations;
Odontoid Process;
Prevalence;
Quadriplegia*
- From:Journal of the Korean Academy of Rehabilitation Medicine
2000;24(4):803-808
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Os odontoideum is a rare anomaly of the second cervical vertebrae, which is a separated ossicle from the body of the axis. This abnormality of the odontoid process can result in an atlanto-axial instability & subsequent cervical cord compression. In spite of the high prevalence of atlanto-axial instability due to the ligamentous laxity of atlanto-axial joint, the frequency of neurologic symptoms is relatively low in the patient of the Down syndrome. The asymptomatic atlanto-axial instability by trauma may progress to Os odontoideum in Down syndrome population and may cause cervical cord compression. Therefore, early recognition and an appropriate management of patients with atlanto-axial instability can significantly reduce the morbidity and mortality. We report a case of Os odontoideum in a child with Down syndrome, who had an atlanto-axial instability which resulted in the cervical cord compression.
