Spinal cord injury in partial Down syndrome

Spinal cord injury is well documented in Down syndrome, and is commonly associated with atlantoaxial instability and ligamentous laxity. A case of partial Down syndrome is presented in which a cervical spine injury resulted in an incomplete quadriplegia. Possible factors leading to increased risk of SCI in partial Down syndrome are ligamentous laxity, atlantoaxial subluxation or odontoid abnormalities, neck inflammatory changes, and age below eight years.