Conservative approach for treatment of Grisel's syndrome after resection of lympahadenitis tuberculosis of the neck: A rare case report

INTRODUCTION: Grisel's syndrome is a rare condition characterized by nontraumatic rotatory subluxation of the atlantoaxial joint, which was caused by previous inflammation around the head and neck. It is usually seen in children and signed as torticollis. There was no consensus for management, yet early diagnosis and treatment is paramount. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 5-year-old girl came to outpatient clinic complaining of wry neck 1 day after surgical excision of her TB lymphadenitis and got worsen by time. There was no history of trauma around the neck. Examination under general anesthesia and CT scan revealed acquired severe torticollis consistent with Grisel's Syndrome Fielding type 3 accompanied by TB lymphadenitis, and TB myositis of the neck. Manipulation under general anesthesia and immobilization using Minerva cast followed by Lerman Cervicothoracal Osthosis was conducted. DISCUSSION: This patient was diagnosed with Grisel's syndrome and underwent conservative treatment consisting of reduction under general anesthesia and immobilization using Minerva cast for 6 weeks. The patient was then applied Lherman Cervical Thoracic Orthosis (CTO) halo brace for another 3 months. Anti-tuberculous drug was given to control tuberculous infection. Eight months follow-up showed neither residual deformity, neck pain, nor movement limitation of the neck. CONCLUSION: Grisel's syndrome has excellent result that is treated with conservative treatment using reduction under general anesthesia and Minerva cast.