Paediatrics

Paediatrics
      

• Taggard DA, Menezes AH, et al (Univ of Iowa, Iowa City)
  Treatment of Down Syndrome-Associated Craniovertebral Junction Abnormalities
  J Neurosurg 93: 205-213, 2000
    
  Down syndrome can result in various abnormalities, including a propensity for occipitoatlantal dislocations.
   
  Surgical treatment of motion abnormalities at the craniovertebral junction (CVJ) is reported to be associated with a high incidence of morbidity.
   
  Medical and radiographic data of 36 patients aged 3 to 49 years, treated for CVJ instability between 1976 and 1999 were reviewed for clinical outcome. It was found that outcomes were excellent in 13 (36%), good in 11(30%) and stable in 12(33%). There were no poor outcomes.
   
  The authors conclude that surgical correction of instability of the CVJ in patients with Down syndrome can be performed with a high success rate.