Torticollis with Atlantoaxial Rotatory Subluxation in Children: A clinical review

A small proportion of children with a sudden onset torticollis (‘wry neck’) presents with an atlanto-axial rotatory subluxation, usually after mild trauma or recent head or neck infection. Torticollis is a clinical diagnosis and imaging is usually not indicated, though often performed in clinical practice. Atlanto-axial rotatory subluxation on imaging is often a physiological phenomenon in torticollis and concomitant neurological symptoms are therefore rare. Treatment is primarily conservative, with analgesics, a rigid neck collar and if needed benzodiazepines to counteract muscle spasms and anxiety. In case of treatment failure or chronic subluxation, cervical repositioning and fixation under general anesthesia may be considered. Surgical treatment is only indicated in a small percentage of patients with chronic refractory subluxation, concomitant cervical fractures or congenital anomalies. Early diagnosis and treatment are important, since this is associated with a more successful conservative outcome than a prolonged approach.

Publication History

Received: 02 December 2023

Accepted after revision: 21 April 2024

Accepted Manuscript online:
24 April 2024