Today Max is headed to the radiologist for a cervical spine
x-ray to rule out Atlantoaxial Instability.
 |
| Bean was a very good sport. |
What is Atlantoaxial Instability (AAI)?
Atlantoaxial instability (AAI) is characterized by excessive movement at the junction between the atlas (C1) and axis (C2) as a result of either a bony or ligamentous abnormality. (this occurs in which occurs in approximately 15% of youth with DS)
When the distance on X-ray between the 1st vertebra 2nd vertebra is more than 4.5 millimeters (mm), restriction on sports is advised.
Why do we care?
Well, when the child is involved in sports (Special Olympics)or an activity that may result in an injury (physical therapy)...the slipped or dislocated vertebra may injure the spinal cord. Max has torticollis, and needs to do some neck stretching exercises to counteract this tilt.
What did we find out?
Well after all the medical professionals involved, no one suggested that on a baby these bones are still cartilaginous so we won't get accurate results until he is at least 2 years of age.
He will need an additional examination/x-ray to participate in the Special Olympics when he's older.
But no abnormalities were observed...so the roughhousing with Bean will continue.
No comments:
Post a Comment