Subluxation of the vertebral joint

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Revision as of 13:24, 5 February 2007 by imported>Nancy Sculerati MD (→‎"wry neck")
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Subluxation of the vertebral joint is a serious health condition that poses the risk of paralysis in vertebrates. Making the diagnosis of "subluxation" in animals and humans requires direct evidence that XXX, usually by plane x-ray, CT scan, or MRI imaging.


Cervical Spine

In infants and children

"wry neck"

Subluxation of the first of the cervical vertebrae (C1-C2) can cause this condition. When displacement of the joint is one-sided (unilateral) , there is typically a "cock-robin" deformity. Correction may require surgery, but has been reported, in some cases of acute trauma, to be brought about by a combination of traction and prolonged television watching!. Neurosurgeons have warned that the diagnosis may be difficult to make on imaging: the mandible can overlay and obscure the area on plain film, MRI must sometimes be done at more than one angle of cut, and - once non-Titanium metal is in place for traction screws, this imaging may not be able to be uased at all for fear of movement of the hardware by the magnet.