Long-term observation of a patient with rotary subluxation of the first cervical vertebra. A case report

Abstract

Instability is defined as a loss of stiffness in a moving segment such that applying a force to that segment causes a greater displacement than a normal structure. Instability is often accompanied by pain, possible damage to neurological structures, and progression of the deformity. Symptoms resulting from cervical instability mainly affect young, middle-aged, and women. Assessing the instability of the cervical spine is often problematic. CT (computed tomography) and MR (magnetic resonance) examinations should be performed to diagnose patients with peak-rotational instability. There are several recommendations in the literature for treating patients with cervical instability; however, there are still no common guidelines. The aim of the paper is to present the case of a 17-year-old girl with rotational subluxation of the first cervical vertebra.