A Case of Atlanto-axial Rotatory Fixation Following Cochlear Implantation

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We report herein on a 6-year-old girl with atlanto-axial rotatory fixation (AARF) which occurred after cochlear implantation under general anesthesia. The cochlear implantation procedure appeared normal, and took 3 hours and 50 minutes. On the 1st postoperative day, the patient complained of neck and shoulder pain but she could rotate her head. On the 4th postoperative day, she had torticollis without any neurologic damage and neither active nor passive rotation of the head could be achieved. She was diagnosed as having AARF on the basis of the computed tomographic findings. She was treated with Glisson's traction for 4 days to correct the deformity. AARF is a rare disorder and its diagnosis is often difficult and delayed. CT scans, especially 3-D reconstruction, are useful to diagnose AARF. It is suggested that AARF can occur after a cervical injury or an upper respiratory tract infection. AARF is also occasionally caused after head and neck surgical procedures such as pharyngeal flap plasty, ear surgery, and plastic surgery for microtia. It is important to be aware of the possible occurrence AARF and to start appropriate treatment as soon as possible.