Atlanto-axial Subluxation in Larsenʼs Syndrome

Three‐dimensional ultrasound diagnosis of Larsen syndrome with further characterization of neurological sequelae

“…In the present case, the micrognathia and its related swallowing difficulties also led to polyhydramnios and the small stomach size. Some associated abnormalities such as cleft palate4, cervical spine instability13, cardiac defects3, tracheomalacia and pulmonary hypoplasia8 have also been reported with the Larsen syndrome. Among these, atlanto‐axial spine instability may lead to permanent severe neurological sequelae.…”

“…The patient underwent elective Cesarean section at 38 weeks' gestation to avoid fetal injury from cervical spine instability, which has been reported to occur in Larsen syndrome13. The female infant weighed 2424 g, was 46 cm long, and had Apgar scores of 7 and 9 at 1 and 5 min, respectively.…”

Vertebral anomalies in Larsen's syndrome

“…Latta et al [2] drew attention to weakness of cartilage in this syndrome and in addition, anomalies of the vertebral column -scoliosis, segmentation, instability, spina bifida -were described [3,4]. Here we report on a deformity of the vertebral body which has not been previously described.…”

“…Many authors observed scoliosis and described the involvement of the vertebral bodies and spina bifida. Miz et al [4] reported subluxation of the atlanto-occipital articulation. Bellon and Filipe [3] published instability in the intervertebral discs between C 1-2 and C 2-3.…”

A 360-Degree Surgical Approach for Correction of Cervical Kyphosis and Atlantoaxial Dislocation in the Case of Larsen Syndrome

“…Although advocates of nonsurgical management have proposed continuous cervical traction and total spinal column bracing in patients with severe deficits since birth and have noted improvement in ventilator and motor functions, they too hypothesized that surgical intervention might be needed later. 20,21 Regarding the approach to subaxial cervical spine fusion, there is a simple approach that can be followed. In cases of minimal kyphosis with no myelopathy, a short segment fusion posteriorly may suffice.…”