Abstract
Children with Down syndrome may have occipitocervical and atlantoaxial instability. To prevent neurologic injury during athletic competitions, such as the Special Olympics, radiographic cervical spine screening was established in 1983 as a prerequisite for participation in some events. This review discusses the biomechanics underlying upper cervical instability in children with Down syndrome, the evolution of cervical spine screening protocols, and current opinion regarding management for children with Down syndrome and upper cervical instability.
MeSH terms
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Atlanto-Axial Joint / abnormalities*
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Atlanto-Axial Joint / pathology
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Atlanto-Axial Joint / physiopathology
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Atlanto-Occipital Joint / abnormalities*
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Atlanto-Occipital Joint / pathology
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Atlanto-Occipital Joint / physiopathology
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Diagnostic Imaging / methods
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Diagnostic Imaging / trends
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Down Syndrome / complications*
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Humans
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Infant
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Infant, Newborn
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Joint Instability / diagnosis
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Joint Instability / etiology*
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Joint Instability / physiopathology
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Mass Screening
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Risk Factors
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Spinal Diseases / diagnosis
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Spinal Diseases / etiology*
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Spinal Diseases / physiopathology
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Spinal Fusion / instrumentation
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Spinal Fusion / methods
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Spinal Injuries / etiology
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Spinal Injuries / physiopathology
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Spinal Injuries / prevention & control