Spontaneous atlantoaxial subluxation: an unusual presenting manifestation of Reiter's syndrome.

A male Sikh presented with spontaneous neck pain. Plain cervical radiography showed gross atlantoaxial subluxation (AAS). Computed tomography showed soft tissue anterior to a subluxed odontoid peg. A diagnosis of atlantoaxial tuberculosis was considered. Confirmation of this would have required a trans-oral anterior cervical biopsy. Despite the paucity of other rheumatic symptoms a diagnosis of Reiter's syndrome with spondylitis was made, and the only surgical procedure required was posterior fusion of C1 and C2, with resultant spinal stability and pain relief. This is the first report of Reiter's syndrome presenting with AAS.