Grisel’s syndrome – case report

Introduction: By definition from the literature, Grisel’s syndrome is described as non-traumatic rotational atlantoaxial instability between C1 and C2 vertebrae. It can occur during an infection of a soft tissue in the cervicocranial region or after an operation in the ENT region. Because of the frequent occurrence after operations, we inclined to the definition which includes a traumatic subluxation as a cause of origin, and it’s not defined as non-traumatic only. The instability manifests itself with abnormal head posture that is called torticollis. Increased incidence in adolescence is more common because of a greater ligamentous laxity of the joint capsules, increased perfusion of antlantoaxial regions and longer alar ligaments. In this article, the case of a child with Grisel’s syndrome after adenotomy is described. The pathophysiology, symptomatology, diagnostic management and treatment are discussed. Keywords: Grisel’s syndrome – torticollis – atlantoaxial instability – adenotomy