Pediatric Atlanto Axial Instability

  • Etiology:
  • Imaging: when measuring the atlanto-dens interval on lateral flexion / extension / neutral cervical spine radiographs, if the atlanto-dens interval is > 5 mm on any view there is instability, if there is > 1-2 mm of motion between flexion and extension there is instability
  • DDX:
  • Complications:
  • Treatment:
  • Clinical:

Radiology Cases of Atlanto Axial Instability

Radiograph of atlanto axial instability
Lateral radiographs of the cervical spine show a mildly enlarged atlanto dens interval in neutral position (left), that increases significantly on flexion (center) and reduces on extension (right).