What is Atlantoaxial Dislocation?

From top to bottom in human beings, the vertebrae are:

  • Cervical spine: 7 vertebrae (C1–C7)
  • Thoracic spine: 12 vertebrae (T1–T12)
  • Lumbar spine: 5 vertebrae (L1–L5)

The C1(atlas) and C2(axial) are the first two vertebrae at the top of the spine, located just below the skull. The Atlas and Axial vertebras are the allied collection of the ligaments and the blood vessels that pass from the spine to the brain. The condition in which the C1 and C2 vertebrae in the neck become slightly misaligned or dislocated is known as Atlantoaxial subluxation. Even though almost all the vertebrae of the spine are relatively identical in their shape and function, the atlas and axis are unique, both in appearance and function. Dr. Sumit Sinha is one of the best neurosurgeons for Rotatory subluxation C1 C2 treatment in Gurgaon, India.

The atlantoaxial complex is primarily responsible for


  • Rotation of head
  • Enabling the neck to turn left and right.
  • Guarding the spinal cord against injury.

Because of its role in the movement, it is unfortunate that this atlantoaxial complex quickly gets prone to injury.


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Causes of Atlantoaxial subluxations

Although people of all age groups can get this condition, this C1-C2 dislocation is commonly noticed Among adolescents. Experts worldwide have been looking for treatments that can take care of this condition with lesser Abrasive and effortless techniques. Few causes of Atlantoaxial dislocation are listed below:

  • Sudden fall
  • Road accidents and sports injury
  • Genetic disorders of the connective tissues
  • Sports Injury
  • Automobile or a car accident
  • Osteoporosis
  • Chronic inflammatory condition of the joints
  • Rheumatoid arthritis

Ligaments that hold the Complex Atlantoaxial together can be weakened in irrational conditions such as Down's syndrome or rheumatoid arthritis and can also get injured in trauma.

When the bones or ligaments of the C1-C2 complex are injured, the spinal cord is at particular risk for injury, and surgical treatment like rotatory subluxation c1 c2 treatment is often required. Atlantoaxial dislocation treatment is often difficult as the bone structure of Atlantoaxial is very complex and the vertebral arteries passing around C1-C2 bones go to the brain.

Like any other injury or damage to your body, C1-C2 subluxation also may occur in unlike levels or the level of injury damage may also vary, consequently differing the way of treating it. The extent of the dislocation is the ultimate deciding factor for the level of treatment that it may require. Contact Dr. Sumit Sinha for Atlantoaxial dislocation, Atlantoaxial subluxation, and Rotatory subluxation c1 c2 treatment at Paras Hospital, Gurgaon, India.

Atlantoaxial Dislocation & Atlantoaxial Subluxation Diagnosis and Treatment

Atlantoaxial dislocation treatment Atlantoaxial subluxation treatment Rotatory subluxation c1 c2 treatment The human body is very complex and composed of myriads of nerves. The spine is the most sensitive visceral part of the body. The spinal cord is a bundle of nerves that relay messages between the brain and the rest of the body. The spinal cord and spine are protected by a defensive membrane, forming the spinal column. The vertebrae protect the spinal cord. If any damage occurs to the vertebrae, it requires extra care and treatment.

Atlantoaxial dislocation is a rare but dangerous condition that affects particular patient populations disproportionately. A variety of etiologies contributes to atlantoaxial dislocation, and the underlying causes or predisposing factors must be taken into consideration to maximize timely and effective treatment. Several anterior and posterior surgical techniques are suitable for atlantoaxial fusion. Each technique has its indications, contraindications, risks, and technical difficulty. Future prospective clinical trials are necessary to more adequately determine which surgical technique is optimal based on respective clinical presentations. Contact Dr. Sumit Sinha for Atlantoaxial dislocation treatment, Atlantoaxial subluxation treatment, and Rotatory subluxation C1 C2 treatment in Gurgaon, India.

Why is Atlantoaxial dislocation treatment desirable?

  • Minimally invasive –surgery with minor cuts and minimal scars.
  • More success rate – Atlantoaxial dislocation treatment's success rates in India are higher than in any other country.
  • Early recovery – the patients get recovered in a shorter time.
  • Lesser blood loss – there is very little blood loss during the procedure.
  • Cost-effective - Atlantoaxial dislocation treatment is comparatively significantly less than other countries.

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Atlantoaxial Subluxation: Symptoms & Treatment

One of the most frequent symptoms of atlantoaxial subluxation is soreness around the neck. Skull where the C1 and C2 vertebrae are located, C1 and C2 subluxation can put stress or pressure on the spinal nerves (also known as the cervical nerves) and spinal cord in the neck. Since the spinal nerves direct the ligaments over the upper extremities, any stressor pressure being applied to these nerves is caused by a C1 and can cause different symptoms in the upper extremities. Some of these symptoms include:

  • Muscle weakness, especially in arms or legs
  • The continuous occurrence of the condition in which muscles are continually contracted.
  • Decreased agility
  • Change in an individual's way of walking
  • Pain that resembles pins stabbing
  • Gets tired quickly when walking
  • Tingling, numbness or pain in the legs, neck, shoulder or arm
  • Head tilting to one side
  • Inability to turn the neck comfortably or hold it up
  • Loss of bladder control
  • Chronic body pain
  • Stinging in the back or upper back region
  • Limited movements

Atlantoaxial Subluxation Treatment

Treatment of atlantoaxial subluxation depends on individuals' symptoms. With the advent of technologies and scientific advancements, several treatments like Physical Therapy, Massage Therapy or Traditional Ayurveda treatments have been introduced to treat atlantoaxial subluxation dislocation. Atlantoaxial subluxation treatment is categorized in different sections, and each has its procedures and its way of treating the situation. Here are some of the treatments of Atlantoaxial subluxation:

  • Physical Therapy
  • Massage Therapy
  • Chiropractic Therapy
  • Usage of walker/therapeutic brace

C1-C2 ( or Atlantoaxial )subluxation must be treated as immediately as possible since it can lead to a severe potential threat to the other parts of the body or may cause complications in the nervous system which can further cause immobility or paralysis in most of the cases. But luckily, with regular care, medication and the will to get out of the pain, the Atlantoaxial subluxation can be treated at a more rapid pace!

An individual having minor atlantoaxial subluxation can often be treated with a neck brace which aids in the immobilization of the neck that in turn allows the injured cervical joint to be at rest and recover satisfactorily. In some cases, physical therapy can also help.

An individual with major (very bad) atlantoaxial subluxation might often need neck surgery. If you seek not to go for surgery, you must be very careful while playing sports or other physical activities. The neurosurgeon will guide you for sports and activities which are safe for you.

How do doctors test for Atlantoaxial dislocation?

If you have symptoms of Atlantoaxial dislocation, the surgeon will suggest various diagnostic tests and X-rays confirm the condition and also to know the severity of dislocation. As per the normal protocol, the patient will be first asked to get an X-ray done, and if the X-ray results are different than usual (abnormal), the surgeon will ask for another imaging test, like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) test or a computed tomography (CT) scan.

  • X-rays imaging is used to look at the locations and connections of the first two vertebrae C1-C2 to locate the dislocation. This must be done carefully to prevent any further misalignment.
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging is used to make out any kind of spinal compression and assess the vertebrae alignments. An MRI can also show soft tissue injuries and alert your surgeon about various other problems.
  • A CT scan can show fractures and all kinds of atlas bone displacement. The severity of the condition will be dependent on the amount of pressure on the spinal cord and the duration of time you had this condition.

Post care for Atlantoaxial dislocation treatment


After successful surgery, the patient has to stay at the Intensive Care Unit for at least one day and then the patient can remain in the general ward. After surgery, the patient has to stay in the hospital for usually around a week. Walking begins from the second-day post-surgery. Once discharged from the hospital, the surgeon usually asks for follow up at least once a week after discharge on an outpatient basis to make sure everything is correct before flying back home; thus, we recommend staying in India after discharge for 10-15 days.

Recovery of Atlantoaxial Instability (or SubLuxation)

Recovery chances in successful Atlantoaxial Instability treatments are good. But still patient needs to be cautious for any symptoms of complications, like

  • The weakness of laryngeal muscles,
  • Pain near the pin area signifying infection,
  • Fracture or migration of pins or bones.
  • Some individuals may experience a hard time while swallowing, but this will cure itself in 1-2 weeks.

Atlantoaxial dislocation treatment Cost in Gurgaon: why us?

Spinal neurosurgeons in Gurgaon have extensive experience in treating these disorders. All the surgical techniques used for treating atlantoaxial instability (C2 translaminar screws) are successfully practised in Gurgaon and are now famous worldwide.

Advancement and development in medical facilities have provided several options for providing the best care to the patient. One such advancement for the treatment of Atlantoaxial dislocation is endoscopic spinal surgery which provides the best results. Since it is a very advanced procedure, it can involve a huge cost. Atlantoaxial dislocation surgery costs a fortune in various developed countries such as the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, etc. Many countries also face the challenge of the long and unpredictable waiting list for this surgery. Also, many underdeveloped and developing countries don't have reliable facilities for rotatory subluxation c1 c2 treatment (Atlantoaxial dislocation).

All of the above make Gurgaon, India the best location for Atlantoaxial dislocation treatment. You can get it done with the best surgeons and technology at very nominal charges and without a waitlist. We at Paras hospital provide the best endoscopic spine surgery in Gurgaon with the latest technology and best of the surgeon at most nominal prices.

How many international patients came to India for Atlantoaxial dislocation treatment?

The main reason for the increased number of overseas patients in India for medical treatment is the availability of the world's famous doctors in India for atlantoaxial subluxation treatment, low prices and excellent tourism options, air connectivity, and many more reasons. The list of top 10 countries where patients travel to India for rotatory subluxation c1 c2 treatment and Atlantoaxial dislocation treatment comes from – UK, Australia, USA, Kenya, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, Oman.

Lecturing on Minimally invasive spinal surgery at recently concluded meeting by Artemis hospitals Gurugram.