Down Syndrome Orthopaedics
A 6-year-old boy with Down syndrome (Trisomy 21) is being evaluated for participation in the Special Olympics. His mother is concerned about contact sports. On examination, he has generalized ligamentous laxity. Flexion-extension cervical spine radiographs are obtained. Regarding atlantoaxial instability (AAI) in Down syndrome:
Mark each as TRUE or FALSE
Atlantoaxial instability (AAI) affects 10-30% of patients with Down syndrome; it is caused by ligame...
Most patients with radiographic AAI are asymptomatic; symptomatic AAI occurs in only 1-2% of Down sy...
Routine radiographic screening is no longer recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics; MRI i...
Symptomatic AAI with myelopathy requires surgical stabilization (C1-C2 fusion); the Special Olympics...
Occipitoatlantal instability can also occur in Down syndrome and may be more dangerous than AAI; the...
Answer the questions to see explanations
Click T (True) or F (False) for each option