C2--C3 dislocation in a child.

Abstract

This is a case presentation of an occurrence of a C2--C3 dislocation without fracture occurring in a child, probably at the time of birth, causing weakness and hypotonia and going unrecognized for almost 2 years. Surgical stabilization provided a slow improvement in neurologic function. Cervical spine injury should be an initial diagnostic consideration in the newborn with hypotonia ("congenital myopathies" and "floppy infants"), since discovery of remediable lesions early could make stabilization therapy effective.