Lateral atlantoaxial joint arthrography in atlantoaxial rotatory fixation.

There has been much debate about the pathogenesis of atlantoaxial rotatory fixation. Intraarticular abnormality has not been well documented thus far. This is the first case of chronic atlantoaxial rotatory fixation in which atlantoaxial joints were examined by consecutive arthrography. A 7-year-old girl was diagnosed with atlantoaxial rotatory fixation on a three-dimensional CT scan. Arthrography of the lateral atlantoaxial joints indicated a rupture of the joint capsule on the dislocated side at first, followed by a successful repair after 5 weeks' immobilization with a halo apparatus. Because torticollis recurred after taking off the halo vest, we performed surgery in which severe adhesion of the cartilage surface of facet joint was noted on the undislocated side and release of the adhesion was needed to mobilize the atlas. Atlantoaxial arthrodesis by screw fixation facilitated a solid fusion of the segment.