Traumatic bilateral rotatory atlantoaxial dislocation in an adult: case report and review of the literature

Trauma led to bilateral rotatory atlantoaxial dislocation in a 23-year-old woman. Clinical diagnosis of this uncommon dislocation of the cervical spin is generally difficult and often made late. Typical signs include pain in the upper cervical spine and a fixed rotated position of the head. Integrity of the transverse ligament of the atlas is a determining factor for atlantoaxial stability and allows orthopedic treatment after reduction using moderate traction on the head. As for most authors, orthopedic was successful in our patient who totally recovered cervical spine mobility without pain.