Imaging findings of chronic subluxation of the os odontoideum and cervical myelopathy in a child with Beare-Stevenson cutis gyrata syndrome after surgery to the head and neck

ABSTRACT

<p><b>INTRODUCTION</b>Although uncommon, fractures of the os odontoideum are known to occur in children under 7 years old, following acute trauma.</p><p><b>CLINICAL PICTURE</b>We report a case of chronic subluxation of the os odontoideum resulting in cervical myelopathy in a child with Beare-Stevenson cutis gyrata syndrome after surgery to the head and neck.</p><p><b>TREATMENT AND OUTCOME</b>The patient was initially put in a Halo vest, following which occipital cervical fusion was performed.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Subluxations and fractures at the odontoid synchondrosis are rare but should be anticipated in young children with risk factors for instability of the cervical spine.</p>