[Atlanto-axial rotational subluxation in children: therapy in delayed diagnosis].

Children may develop a torticollis due to Rotatory Subluxation not only after minor trauma, infections of the upper respiratory tract, surgical procedures in the oropharynx but also spontaneously. Three cases with a delay in diagnosis are presented; the typical symptoms and other causes of torticollis are discussed. The suggested treatment is mobilisation under general anaesthesia, fixation with a Halo for a few days and consecutive immobilisation in a Minerva cast for 4-8 weeks. This regimen was successful in all three cases.