Occupational Therapy in Atlanto Axial Dislocation: A Case Study

Introduction: The atlantoaxial joint loses stability due to trauma, inflammation, an idiopathic or congenital abnormality. Other symptoms include a restriction in neck movements, weakness, numbness, sphincter dysfunction, lower cranial nerve dysfunction, respiratory distress. Atlantoaxial Dislocation is considered life-threatening, due to the devastating neurological damage it causes. Case Description: A nine-year-old male had fallen from the stairs. After fall, he becomes unconscious with the stiffness of the body. Radiographic examination shows that they had atlantoaxial joint dislocation with spinal cord compression. On examination, there is increased tone, exaggerated deep tendon reflexes, positive Babinski sign, muscle wasting, reduced muscle strength. On postural examination head was laterally flexed to the left side, left shoulder was protracted& dropped, winging of the scapula was present. Treatment: Four weeks of occupational therapy programme was given with the focus on improving ranges of motion (ROM) at the cervical& shoulder, strength improvement, enhancing hand functions, improving balance& coordination, prevention of any further deformity Conclusion: Occupational Therapy has to be initiated as early as possible to improve symptoms and is proven to be very effective in atlantoaxial joint dislocation