Keypoints CSI  31.01.01


                                         DOWN'S SYNDROME
                  CERVICAL SPINE INSTABILITY

                                                                     Key points

(Based on DSMIG guidelines for basic essential medical surveillance)

     People with Down's syndrome have a small
     risk for major neurological damage caused
     by cervical spine instability.

        Cervical spine X-Rays have no predictive validity
        for subsequent acute dislocation/subluxation at the
        atlantoaxial joint.

        Children with Down's syndrome should not be
        barred from taking part in sporting activities.

        Anaesthetists should be alerted to the possibility of
        cervical spine injury whilst manipulating the head
        and neck in the unconscious patient.

        Ambulance personnel should be alerted to the
        possibility of cervical spine injury when attending
        at Road Traffic Accidents.

        Clinical symptoms - often mild - are currently the
        most useful predictors of future risk and merit
        urgent specialist referral.

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DSMIG (UK) 2001   www.dsmig.org.uk                                                                                                                           16.01.02