A Rare Complication Following Adenotonsillectomy: Grisel's Syndrome

Abstract

The nontraumatic subluxation of the atlantoaxial joint, also called Grisel's syndrome, is a rarely seen phenomenon in the pediatric population after nasopharyngeal inflammation or otolaryngological surgery. The patients are usually between 5 and 12 years old, and there is no gender difference in occurrence. Grisel's syndrome should be considered in patients who have painful torticollis after an upper airway infection or otolaryngological surgery. The most important factor affecting the prognosis is early diagnosis and treatment. Early diagnosis not only allows for conservative treatment, but it also prevents permanent neck deformity and the development of severe neurological deficit and morbidity due to extensive surgical procedures. Otolaryngologists should be aware of this rare, but potentially serious, condition.

Keywords

• atlantoaxial subluxation
• grisel's syndrome; torticollis