Background Data: atlantoaxial rotatory fixation (AARF) although rare, is a wellknown condition to most spinal surgeons. Occipitoatlantoaxial rotatory fixation (COAARF) is a condition that may develop as a compensatory event following AARF
making diagnosis more difficult. Most cases of COAARF present late making their management a difficult task.
Purpose: to demonstrate a neglected case of COAARF Study Design: case report Patients and Methods: we report a 9 years old girl with neglected COAARF following minor trauma. 7 months after trauma we could not reduce its rotation operatively. Results: delayed diagnosis of COAARF precluded its reduction Conclusion: COAARF can result from relatively minor trauma and should be suspected in children with persisting neck pain and decreased neck movements.
Early diagnosis of COAARF is important and facilitates its management. MS and 3D CT-scan is the corner stone in its diagnosis. (2013ESJ053)