This site is targeted at medical and radiology professionals, contains user contributed content, and material that may be confusing to a lay audience. Use of this site implies acceptance of our Terms of Use.

Grisel syndrome

Dr Jeremy Jones and Dr Aparna Srinivasa Babu et al.

The Grisel syndrome is a rare cause of torticollis that involves subluxation of atlanto-axial joint from inflammatory ligamentous laxity following an infectious surgical process in the head and neck ¹, usually a retropharyngeal abscess.

Etiology

The syndrome may result from any inflammatory process of the head and neck. The commonest etiologies ² are as follows:

upper respiratory tract infections
tonsillectomy / adenotonsillectomy
otitis media
other ENT infections / surgery

Epidemiology

It usually occurs in infants / young children. The causative organisms are usually ³:

Staphylococcus aureus
Group B. Streptococcus
oral flora.

Clinical presentation

Grisel’s Syndrome has a variable presentation, time between inciting event and symptom onset is variable, and laboratory investigations may be normal. So diagnosis is difficult.

Typically however presentation consists of ³:

torticollis
cervical pain
symptoms related to underlying infection

Neurological complications can range from radiculopathy to death from medullary compression ².

Radiographic features

Plain films are of limited value in establishing a diagnosis. Best investigation is CT, which demonstrate abnormal lateral placement of C1 on C2, and of occipital facets on C1. MRI may be useful in evaluating inflammatory changes in the surrounding soft tissues.

Treatment and prognosis

In milder cases and with early diagnosis, treatment with broad spectrum antibiotics and soft collar is sufficient. Delayed diagnosis/ increasing severity needs treatment with traction brace.

Residual subluxation after 8 weeks of treatment or neurological symptoms may require operative treatment.