OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the profile, treatment and complications of patients with C1-C2 rotatory fixation. METHODS: A total of 35 patients with diagnosis of C1-C2 rotatory fixation at IOT-HCFMUSP, between 1982 and 2008, were retrospectively studied. Age, gender, clinical features, classification, type of treatment and complications were evaluated. RESULTS: Of a total of 35 cases, 19 were girls and 16 were boys, with a mean age of 6.9 years. The most common symptom was pain (85%), followed by deformity (71%) and loss of cervical mobility (62%). According to Fielding and Hawkins classification, we found 11 cases type I, 14 cases type II, and 5 cases type III. There were no type IV cases. In 5 cases we couldn't obtain classification. The use of collar was the most used treatment (20 cases). Traction was performed in 6 cases and C1-C2 arthrodesis in 6 cases. CONCLUSION: C1-C2 rotatory fixation is a disorder more common in children. The cause is a contracture of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, usually after an upper airway tract infection. The fixation is reduced with conservative treatment, mainly with early treatment. When treatment starts late, the use of cervical traction can be necessary and for irreducible cases C1-C2 arthrodesis.
Syndrome; Axis; Cervical atlas; Child; Arthrodesis; Treatment outcome
