CERVICAL SPINE ANOMALIES

Congenital anomalies range in severity from those that are "benign" and asymptomatic to those with the potential for fatal instability. Many anomalies are not discovered until a complication occurs. Anomalies of the occipito-cervical junction often remain undetected until late childhood or adolescence, and some remain hidden well into adult life. Other anomalies of the Cervical Spine, although recognized in early

ALTHOUGH CERVICAL SPINE ANOMALIES ARE RARE, THEIR RECOGNITION IS IMPORTANT TO PREVENT CATASTROPHIC PARALYSIS DUE TO SPORT PARTICIPATION, CHIROPRACTIC/OSTEOPATHIC MANIPULATION OR "MANIPULATION" DURING THE INDUCTION OF ANESTHESIA.

ALL PATIENTS WITH CONGENITAL CERVICAL FUSION SHOULD AVOID BODY CONTACT SPORTS AS WELL AS ANY RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES THAT MAY PUT THEM AT RISK FOR HEAD TRAUMA. THE POTENTIAL FOR CATASTROPHIC OUTCOMES WITH THESE STRUCTURAL ABNORMALITIES IS VERY REAL AND MUST BE KEPT IN MIND THROUGHOUT THE LIFE OF THE AFFECTED INDIVIDUAL. LONG TERM FOLLOW UP IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. PATIENTS AND HIS/HER FAMILY MUST BE CAREFULLY AND FULLY COUNSELLED.

This page last edited on 2/22