Post-traumatic upper cervical subluxation visualized by MRI: a case report

James Demetrious¹^,2

¹Private practice, Wilmington, NC, USA

²Post-gradate faculty, New York Chiropractic College, Seneca Falls, NY, USA

author email corresponding author email

Chiropractic & Osteopathy 2007, 15:20doi:10.1186/1746-1340-15-20


Published:	19 December 2007

Abstract

Background

This paper describes MRI findings of upper cervical subluxation due to alar ligament disruption following a vehicular collision. Incidental findings included the presence of a myodural bridge and a spinal cord syrinx. Chiropractic management of the patient is discussed.

Case presentation

A 21-year old female presented with complaints of acute, debilitating upper neck pain with unremitting sub-occipital headache and dizziness following a vehicular collision. Initial emergency department and neurologic investigations included x-ray and CT evaluation of the head and neck. Due to persistent pain, the patient sought chiropractic care. MRI of the upper cervical spine revealed previously unrecognized clinical entities.

Conclusion

This case highlights the identification of upper cervical ligamentous injury that produced vertebral subluxation following a traumatic incident. MRI evaluation provided visualization of previously undetected injury. The patient experienced improvement through chiropractic care.